Lothians High Street Heroes honoured for transforming towns and inspiring young people
Two Lothians women have been recognised for their efforts to revitalise town centres and create opportunities for local residents.
Two Lothians community champions have been recognised for their efforts to revitalise town centres and create opportunities for local residents.
Bathgate Market founder Lucy Lawson and Jacqueline Campbell, who leads the Musselburgh Loop, have been named High Street Heroes in this year’s Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Lucy received the accolade for Central Scotland and Lothians West, while Jacqueline was recognised for Edinburgh and Lothians East.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards celebrate people making a positive difference in communities across Scotland.
Lucy, director of Unicorn Markets CIC, has been praised for transforming a derelict former train station car park into a thriving Saturday market attracting more than 1,000 visitors each week.
Bathgate Market, located off Whitburn Road, opened in June 2023 and now provides a platform for around 30 local traders.
The site was previously plagued by anti-social behaviour and fires before Lucy led efforts to clear the area and make it safe, working alongside volunteers including West Lothian Litter Pickers.
The market has since helped local businesses grow, with several traders moving from market stalls into permanent town centre premises.
Reacting to her award, Lucy said: “I’m really honoured to receive this award. I couldn’t have brought Bathgate Market to life without our amazing traders, my brilliant team of staff and volunteers, and the support of our community.
“Everyone who gives their time, shops with us or helps spread the word plays a part in making the market what it is. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together, and this award is something for all of us to celebrate.”
West Lothian Council’s economy portfolio holder Councillor Susan Manion congratulated Lucy and her team, saying the market had “turned an empty site back into productive use”, boosted visitor numbers and supported the local economy.
Bathgate MSP Pauline Stafford also praised Lucy for championing local producers and helping businesses establish themselves on the high street.
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Meanwhile, Jacqueline Campbell has been recognised for her work with the Musselburgh Loop, which encourages young people to take an active role in improving their town.
The chair of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council said the award belonged to the teenagers involved in the initiative.
Through the project's Summer Crew earlier this year, young people worked together to clean, sand, paint and plant in public spaces, including around Musselburgh’s memorial fountain.
The work has since developed into a wider Urban Squad initiative, bringing together young people and local organisations to create opportunities in volunteering, sport, creative activities and skills development.
Jacqueline said: “I’m gobsmacked. I can’t believe it. I’m so proud of all of the young people involved. This award really belongs to them for all of their hard work.
“It’s just really nice to have the opportunity to be able to get younger people doing something to make the town better. They’ve done a fantastic job - and there’s more to come.”
Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent MSP Kate Campbell praised the initiative for helping young people discover positive opportunities suited to their interests.
Minister for Business and Fair Work Tom Arthur said the winners demonstrated the “innovation, leadership and partnership” driving positive change across Scotland.