'Yes’ vote for Fort William BID

There were 66 ‘yes’ votes and 41 ‘no’ votes, meaning more than 60 per cent voted in favour of the BID. According to Civica Election Services (CES) 30.18 per cent of those eligible to vote in the ballot did so.
 
Ballot papers were sent to eligible voters on Thursday October 3 to allow businesses to cast their vote and the count was held on Friday November 22. 
 
The Fort William BID Steering Committee is “thrilled” to have succeeded in winning the support of businesses in Fort William.
 
Local businessman Archie MacDonald, chairperson of the steering committee, said: “It has taken two years of interaction and discussion with businesses in the community and a rigorous election process managed by the Electoral Commission, together with considerable work from the local-led volunteers appointed to the steering group, to get this exciting project over the line.
 
“Our Project Manager, Mark MacLean, deserves a special mention for his commitment and hard work. The advice of Scotland’s Town Partnership has also been invaluable.”

The steering committee sees the BID as an opportunity to contribute to, work with and support the business community. They say this will ultimately benefit the wider Lochaber community and make Fort William a more prosperous and attractive place to live and work.
 
Mr MacDonald added: “It was encouraging to note that support for the BID came from all parts of the economy; beyond retail and hospitality. The trades and industry understood that a rising tide lifts all boats.”