High Street Hero wins major national honour

Hamilton's business improvement district manager has been named as a high street hero at the fifth annual Scotland Loves Local Awards.

- JUDITH TONNER

Thousands of visitors Malcolm Thomas-Harley is the driving force of Hamilton's Pride festival

Malcolm Thomas-Harley won the Central Scotland regional hero category for his dedication to supporting the town’s businesses and visitors - and says the prize “belongs to the whole town centre”.

Judges described him as “a champion of business and the community in Hamilton” as they praised his work in boosting trade and footfall through initiatives including monthly markets, special events such as this year’s successful, the town’s Pride festival and campaigning for the vehicle opening of Quarry Street along with short-term free parking.

Malcolm, who has been manager of the Hamilton Our Town project since it was set up in 2020, was described in his nomination as “just a brilliant champion for Hamilton”.