Window Wanderland
We started 2019 with our first ever Window Wanderland event on 9th and 10th February, transforming the streets of Milngavie into a free outdoor gallery for the public. Working with the Milngavie Community Development Trust, over 20 Milngavie businesses took part in the winter workshops as well as several local streets: Dougalston Gardens South, Cairns Drive, Clochbar Avenue, Dunlop Place, Carers Link, Ellangowan Road and Hillcrest Street.
Scottish Water Top Up Tap installed
As part of the “Your Water, Your Life” campaign by Scottish Water, we were thrilled to announce Milngavie had its very own Scottish Water Top Up Tap installed on Douglas Street. You can now refill your water bottle at the start of the West Highland Way, helping to stay hydrated whilst doing your bit for the environment.
Purchase of Milngavie.co.uk secured.
The BID board agreed to purchase this premium domain name for Milngavie to form the central communications tool for all businesses and residents in Milngavie and a central information resource for visitors. Over the following four months, the website was developed and populated in-house by our BID team, Tony and Maxine; along with an ongoing social media campaign to increase awareness and appeal of Milngavie.
Milngavie Businesses Vote YES to a renewal BID.
Milngavie businesses voted in favour to renew the Business Improvement District for another 5 years from 1 May to 30 April 2024. A majority of the business ratepayers in the Milngavie BID area voted in favour of the business plan, both by aggregate rateable value and numbers voting. Official announcement of results on East Dunbartonshire Council’s website. Result announced on 25th April.
Healthy Habits Event
Our first ever Milngavie’s Healthy Habits event took place on Saturday 27th April 2019, with over 15 free family activities including Smoothie Bikes, a Bouncy Castle & Slide, Stalls, Soft play area, Bungee Run, Giant Connect 4, Kids/ Adults Sumo Suits, Pillow Warz, football Shoot Out, Assault Course, Climbing Wall and face painting! Plus, BMX Stunt showings and competitions with Zoe Kelly from Heart radio.
New Street Banner designs installed
In line with our digital marketing strategy, new banner designs went on display in Milngavie town centre to promote shopping local, community spirit and events. Various designs with a consistent marketing message were located at key locations.
Mural Underpass Complete
Art Pistol artists had been working hard to redesign the mural on the underpass from Milngavie Tesco to the precinct. The mural illustrates the West Highland Way trail route and highlights the many animals roaming in the Scottish Highlands.
Property Face Lifts
No.1 Boutique and Elba Artisan Gallery were recent recipients of our shop front improvement grant and they have put it to fantastic use with new canopies, freshly repainted facades and shop signs. This project was supported with partial funding by the Milngavie Business Improvement District to assist with the external work on the local shops. Further grant applications were approved later in the year.
Public Realm Improvements
Milngavie BID board agreed to contract architects Page\Park for ongoing public realm improvements continuing with the West Highland Way themed display boards that were installed in late 2018. Page\Park plans were developed later in the year and submitted to the “Scotland’s Future High Street” competition based on progress to date and deliverable plans in 2020.
Gold for Milngavie in Bloom
Milngavie in Bloom was recognised with a gold medal by Keep Scotland Beautiful for the work all the volunteers put in to showcase the town; and the Visit Scotland Award for Tourism at the Beautiful Scotland awards. The Milngavie BID have provided ongoing financial support to cover the costs of purchasing the plants and compost to maintain the planters in the precinct.
Launch of Milngavie Gift Card
Over 50 Milngavie businesses are accepting the new Milngavie Gift Card and four local retailers (Besotted, Avec Panache, Reids of Milngavie and Elba Artisan Gallery) selling the gift card. The card is an ideal gift for all occasions and ensures that your money is spent in Milngavie, keeping trade local. It is a pre-paid MasterCard that is used like any other cards, and is administered by the Milngavie BID team.
Display Board maps installed
As part of the Milngavie BID online and offline communications strategy, the six display boards in the precinct were re-designed with a town map featuring all businesses; and to promote the Gift Card outlets who accept the card.
Third Place in Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street
Milngavie came in a close third with 15% of votes cast, with Kirkwall and Lerwick coming first and second. In the spirit of being positive, Milngavie is effectively the most beautiful High Street on Scotland’s mainland, so everyone is welcome to visit us for a day out to explore for a day of walking, cycling, shopping as well as a decent food and drink. Competition entry here.
Halloween Event
Halloween spooktacular in Milngavie Town Centre with Milngavie Tesco on Saturday 2nd November. Underpasses were decorated with spiders made by Milngavie, Craigdhu, and Westerton primary schools and Glasgow Academy, helping to create a spooktacular atmosphere during the parade. Led by a giant witch on stilts, a werewolf and Count Dracula, the parade started off from the Fraser Centre, after the children were entertained by Merlin’s Disco; a story from our friendly witch; and the Pumpkin Trail with hidden pumpkins around the precinct.
£100 Milngavie Gift Card Winners
Our first £100 Milngavie Gift Card was awarded to Rowan for completing the Halloween Pumpkin Trail as part of our Halloween event in November. Our second winner was awarded to Hannah and Madeleine for participating in our Elf on The Shelf Trail Hunt in December.
Delivery of 130 Christmas trees to Milngavie
We had a delivery of 130 Christmas trees to Milngavie Town Centre which were hand delivered to our local businesses in preparation for our Christmas event. The potted trees can potentially be re-planted subject to their condition in January, and finding suitable homes for them. If anyone would like to plant one of the trees in their garden, please contact us.
Christmas Lights Switch on and Parade
Festive fun took place in Milngavie Town Centre on Saturday 30th November with a real Cairngorm reindeer parade, Santa’s Grotto, live stage, street performers, Christmas workshops and the Christmas tree light switch on celebrations at 5pm. The event was supported by several thousand local people who attended and supported our local businesses.
Mother Goose Pop Up Pantomime
To mark the opening of our Christmas Sunday trading hours, we had two Mother Goose pantomime performances in Finsbay LOFT on Sunday 8th December. The intimate performances were a real treat for families who joined in the performances in true panto tradition…oh yes they did.
Elf on the Shelf Trail Hunt
Our last event of 2019 was our Elf on the Shelf Trail Hunt. This involved finding 21 of santa’s elves that were hiding in various businesses throughout the town, with a £100 prize draw and kids goodie bag up for grabs for one lucky winner.
Welcoming New Businesses to Milngavie
We have had some fabulous additions to the Milngavie Town Centre this year. A warm welcome to Conor Ramon Salon, Vype, John Amabile Design, Up Re Cycle, Hays Travel and Classic India.
We wish everyone a peaceful and prosperous New Year from all the team at Milngavie BID and the local town centre businesses. We look forward to seeing you in 2020!
