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Welcome to BID Fort William

We are a not-for-profit organisation established to represent the interests of local businesses and to deliver meaningful improvements across the town for business owners, residents and visitors alike.

What is a BID?

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined area in which businesses work together and invest collectively in local improvements. It gives business owners a stronger voice, more influence, and the ability to shape decisions that affect their trading environment.

Across Scotland and the wider UK, BIDs have already helped hundreds of towns and city centres unlock new potential, attract more visitors, and enhance the everyday experience for businesses and communities alike.

What’s On in Fort William

From festive lights and family days to market weekends and cultural celebrations, we aim to fund and coordinate events that bring people together and boost the local economy year-round.​

Shop Local 

Our new voucher scheme makes it easy to give the gift of local shopping while supporting businesses right here in town. By choosing to spend with independent retailers and service providers, every pound stays in Fort William, helping to create jobs, strengthen businesses, and sustain a vibrant town centre.

Grants Available

We’re committed to creating a town centre that businesses and the community can be proud of. We aim to create a place that attracts footfall, encourages longer visits, and supports pride of place.​

Featured Event

Great Scot Wine Tasting

Join Highland Liquor at their Fort William Bottle Shop as we travel to France, New Zealand, South Africa, Portugal and Spain (by the glass) with Ewen Lamont, the Scottish Sales Manager for Liberty Wines Ltd. On the night he will guide you through samples of seven different drinks including Champagne, Wine, Port and Sherry from producers or winemakers who have connections to Scotland.

Featured Business – November

The Old Deli Gifts

Nestled on Fort William’s High Street, The Old Deli Gifts is a proud supporter of our Shop Local campaign and a standout independent retailer. The shop showcases a thoughtfully curated collection of premium brands including:

  • Nomination
  • Steiff
  • Chlobo
  • Stoneglow
  • Notch

Pop in and discover what’s new at The Old Deli Gifts this month and get your Christmas presents!

Latest News

Stay up to date with the latest news.

Sep 02
Highland Cinema Nominated for BIFA “Cinema of the Year” – Let’s Get Voting!

Highland Cinema in Fort William has been nominated for the British Independent Film Awards Cinema of the Year 2025. The cinema is a key cultural hub for Lochaber, supporting local businesses and drawing visitors into the town centre. By voting for Highland Cinema, you are helping to raise Fort William’s profile nationally while backing the High Street and our community.

Aug 04
Call for Artists: Fort William Mural Commission Now Open

BID Fort William is inviting mural artists to apply for an exciting new public art commission in the heart of the town centre. We’re seeking proposals that will transform the gable end of 129 High Street into a cultural landmark. A Gateway to the High Street Positioned at one of the main entry points to […]

Jul 29
Welcoming New Directors to the BID Fort William Board

At BID Fort William, we are pleased to welcome three new directors to our Board: David MacGillivray, Lesley Main, and John Cameron. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will play a vital role in delivering our business plan and driving forward initiatives that benefit our town. Our Directors New Directors David MacGillivray – Shiel BusesAs Managing […]

We’re here to help

Have a question about the BID, want to get involved, or need support as levy payer?

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BID Fort William
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