An Ayrshire shopkeeper is Scotland’s High Street Hero.
Marion Gilliland has run her family gift shop - Presents and Correct - in Cumnock for decades, becoming a force for good in her community.
Not only has she made her Townhead Street store a safe place for all, but she has helped secure tens of thousands of pounds of improvements for other businesses.
She goes above and beyond to meet customers’ needs, champions charitable causes and supports seriously ill friends - while dealing with her own health challenges.
So she was an overwhelming choice as High Street Hero at the Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards recognise and reward the remarkable work taking place to improve communities.
Marion, 50, who is recovering from a stroke, said: “Cumnock means so much to me because of the people. Here in the shop we try to make sure that everyone’s looked after. I just do what I’m here to do - it’s just my job. I’m so grateful to anyone who nominated me.”
She added: “Two weeks ago I took a stroke. I got a tremendous service from the NHS at Crosshouse. It’s been a scary few weeks, but my family and staff have been outstanding. The support I’ve had from customers has been outstanding.”
Marion’s colleague and friend Alyson Kidd, who works with her, led the praise.
She is currently going through stage five renal failure and benefited from Marion’s kindness, including her raising more than £5,000 to install a dialysis unit in her home.
Alyson said: “To say Marion is a high street hero is an understatement. She is one of life’s true heroes and really cares for her community.”
Gift-wrapping fees in Presents and Correct, which Marion has declared a safe space for anyone who needs or wants to call in, are also donated to the MND Association, a pledge that has so far raised more than £24,000.
As part of Cumnock Business Association, Marion supported other businesses to access shop frontage improvements totalling £30,000 - helping them through the application process, even while in hospital.
Tracy Murray, Town Centre Regeneration Officer at East Ayrshire Council, works closely with Marion.
She said: “Marion’s usually my first port of call when I need something done. I know I can rely on her to get things done.
“She’s so passionate about Cumnock and ensuring the right things happen- because she cares.”
Claire Donnelly, of Cumnock Business Association, added: “She is just a great ambassador for Cumnock.”
Award winners were announced as part of the Scotland’s Towns Conference, which took place at CentreStage in Kilmarnock, in partnership with East Ayrshire Council.
Other projects recognised included The Corner Project in Darvel, a runner-up in the Streets and Spaces category.
Work on the project by the Darvel Area Regeneration Team (DART) is transforming the derelict former Co-op building on Main Street into a garden and paved area, covered by a permanent canopy.
The space will be used for markets, live arts performances and a place to congregate, socialise and relax.
CentreStage (Ayrshire Arts Academy) was runner-up in the Enterprising Communities Award.
Judges were told: “Centrestage has transformed the lives of so many.”
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