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.
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.
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.
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.
We are delighted to announce that local artist Mark Faulkner’s design, Our Special Lochaber Oaks, has been selected for the new High Street mural. The project celebrates Fort William’s heritage and will include creative workshops with local primary schools and Room 13.
Join our volunteer programme and help create visible improvements across the town. Whether you have a project idea or simply want to offer your time and skills, we provide structure, support, and recognition. Volunteers receive Shop Local vouchers and approved expenses, ensuring your contribution is valued while supporting local businesses. Step forward and help strengthen our community – your actions matter!
Since 2024, we’ve funded just under £7,000 in business grants for levy-paying businesses, including Property Improvement Grants and Event Grants. This is one of the valuable benefits of being a levy payer.
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 […]
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined area where businesses work together to invest in local improvements that they have identified as priorities. These improvements are funded through a levy agreed by the businesses themselves and are delivered in addition to the services provided by the local authority. Across Scotland, BIDs have been used to strengthen town centres, support local economies, and create cleaner, safer, more welcoming environments for businesses, residents and visitors alike.
BID Fort William has launched two new funding schemes to support local businesses and boost town centre activity. The Property Improvement Scheme offers match funding to smarten up shopfronts and public-facing premises, while the Event Support Scheme provides financial help to develop new or existing events that attract visitors and drive local spending.
