BATCHEN STREET IS BUZZING – and local shopkeepers are determined to get the message over that the heart of Elgin is very much alive and well.
Once blighted with empty commercial properties as businesses were forced out during one of the toughest recessionary periods the country has ever known, Elgin is fighting back – and commercial units and filling up again.
And that is graphically clear on Batchen Street, where retailers have banded together and renamed themselves #Buzzonbatchen. The street that leads south from Elgin High Street is a destination for all with a great selection of independent businesses offering a wide variety of products and services.
Shopping stalwarts in the street such as Dawsons the butcher and Bay Tree florists are joined by newer businesses arriving in the last year or so – and more doors are opening for the first time this month.
With items for tots at Sugar Plum and a choice of food places, a shop for Blokes at Sirology or the everyday essential that is the Post Office, Batchen Street has it covered for everyone.
Richard Cumming from Sirology said: “The street is a great place, nice and relaxed with friendly folk. You can walk up and down the street and wave at the various businesses which is really nice and nostalgic of days gone by.
“When we opened late last year, the support and offers of help from all our neighbours on Batchen Street was so nice, especially when venturing into a new business.”
The #Buzzonbatchen campaign is being launched on Saturday as part of the Food and drink Festival.
Kicking things off for #Buzzonbatchen is the distribution of their street guide and launch of their Facebook page. Businesses up and down the street will be offering promotions and showcasing their wares throughout the day and a selfie competition is being launched.
Gill Neill, Elgin BID manager has said: “The street has a real buzz about it and it’s something the public can look forward to experiencing on the 19th at the Food & Drink Festival. So please take the chance to pop along and meet the business owners and see the amazing services and products they offer.
“A lot of hard work has gone on over the last few years to help regenerate Elgin City Centre and the positive outcomes of it are there for the people to see.”