The business community in a north-east town was in the pink yesterday to help support cancer research.
Many of the shop windows in Inverurie were decorated in pink hues and displayed pink items – the colour of the cancer research campaign – and ‘Rurie the bear’ also donned his pink outfit as he posed for photos around the town.
Initially thought up by the town’s Tesco supermarket, the ‘Turn Inverurie Pink’ movement gained momentum and extra support from the Inverurie BID steering group.
Gavin Lawson, manager of the Tesco store, said: “We thought about how we could do the pink weekend, not only to support the charity in store, but also branch it out to the local businesses and communities to show collaboration between everyone and support the charity as best we can as a town.
“We were delighted with the momentum and support we have received through the initiative and how so many people within the town want to wear pink and raise money for cancer.
“As the manager of Tesco, I could not be more proud of the store and support the town has received to raise money. We knew our customers would support us this weekend as they have always have shown great generosity with fundraising in the past.”
Ballot papers have been sent out to almost 200 companies in Inverurie in advance of a vote about proposals to create a Business Improvement District in the town.
The vote takes place on June 22, and 199 businesses will have their say on whether or not Inverurie will have a BID.
This term defines a situation where businesses in a defined local area decide to invest collectively in local improvements over and above those provided by statutory authorities such as the local councils.
It is a partnership agreement whereby the business community work with the authorities on a variety of projects that will benefit the local firms and economy.
Ashley Wilson, BID co-ordinator, revealed that they have already received backing from a number of local organisations.
She added: “We are delighted to have support pledged from VisitScotland, VisitAberdeenshire and Abellio already as well as Aberdeenshire Council.”
For more information on Inverurie’s BID plans, visit: www.weareinverurie.co.uk