Staff at Scotmid Co-operative’s store in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, have been named Community Heroes at the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) awards.
Celebrating its centenary year, the SGF launched the awards to reward the contribution by convenience retailers to communities across Scotland. Judges chose the Laurencekirk store because of its ongoing relationship with local school, Mearns Academy, and the voluntary work carried out by staff.
The award caps off an incredible six months at the store. In July, regular customer Fred Higgins bought a Lucky Dip Lotto ticket from the kiosk and won a £58m jackpot. And in October, local good cause Laurencekirk Memorial Park earned the most votes in Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative – netting it £15,000 to refurbish its facilities.
Store manager Stewart Smith said: “Are we the luckiest store in Scotland? I honestly don’t know, but it is unbelievable that so many incredibly positive things have happened here over the past six months.
“It is brilliant to receive the award. That recognition is not just for the store, but for the entire local community – everybody has played their part and it has been a team effort.
“The award has reinvigorated our store and inspired us to continue to do that little bit extra for the local community through fundraising, engaging with the local schools and being right at the heart of it all.”
Scotmid’s north region membership and community officer, Lynne Ogg, added: “This award means a great deal to us all at Scotmid. We’re working hard within communities all across Scotland.
“Stewart and his team in Laurencekirk truly embrace the core values and principles of Scotmid – serving their community and improving people’s everyday lives.”
