Dumfriesshire woman's community endeavours recognised

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A driving force before many of Moffat’s annual community events over two decades has been officially declared a ‘High Street Hero’.

Dumfriesshire mum-of-two Linnhe Cringean, who has lived in Moffat since 1994 as a gifted artist, crafter and businesswoman, has been honoured as South of Scotland’s High Street Hero in the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards.

She said: “This is completely out of the blue – a total surprise”.

Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, the awards recognise community heroes and what they do for their neighbourhoods to ensure they become stronger and more sustainable – while Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local.

Her nomination stated: “Scottish rural communities need good schools, employment – often involving tourism and the arts – and a sense of community to thrive. Linnhe has led in all three of these areas in Moffat. She is humble, but also determined, organised, observant and caring.

“Moffat would not be the award-winning, bustling, vibrant town that it is without her endeavours.

“Linnhe fits in her voluntary work around her business, her family and role as an unpaid carer. We suspect she may have more hours in her day than the rest of us!”

Linnhe is well-known as the chairperson of voluntary-run Moffat Promotions Group which runs several events in the Upper Annandale town to boost businesses, encourage community life, and to bring in tourists.

They include the Moffat Duck Race Fun Day in Station Park, Mass Garage Sale, Picnic in the Park and this year’s new addition, the Midsummer Market.

And the spectacular Christmas Lights Festival – which is a highlight of the region’s festive season - with an abseiling Santa and switch-on ceremony, craft fair, entertainment, and more than 55 stalls.

MPG has worked hard to keep Moffat on the map and encouraging local people to support businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic, cost of living crisis and the evolving impact of social media on tourism.

Linnhe first became involved in community life as a member of the Babes and Tots group, then the Moffat Academy Parent Teacher Association, and as a volunteer in the town’s Oxfam shop. She is also a member of the Moffat Gala Committee.

Aside from that, her artistic skills also saw her attending markets where she got to know many other makers but an MS diagnosis made participation difficult.

And it opened a new doorway as she joining forces with friends Lydia Larmour and Alexis Johnston and launched the thriving business in Well Street, 17 Reasons gift shop, in 2014 – providing a platform for local designers and makers.

Linnhe said: “I’ve always tried to get involved with voluntary work. I feel that if you are part of the community, and get something out of it, then you should give something back. And you really do get out what you put in.

“I love the camaraderie of being involved. Moffat Promotions Group has been so successful, they are a fabulous team to work with, and I get a lot of joy out of being part of it all.”

“Moffat is such a community-orientated town. We have a population of just over 2,500 and, at one point, there were around 60 different groups. People here like to get on and get things done.”

Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s chief officer, paid tribute to Linnhe’s dedication: “It’s devotion like Linnhe’s, and the collaborative community spirit it helps to create, which lies at the heart of creating a better future for our towns.

“Our judges were in no doubt that the many ways in which her work has benefited businesses in Moffat – encouraging locals and visitors alike to get behind them – makes her a real High Street Hero.”

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