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.
Thank you to all levy payers who attended the meeting at The Railway Club on 22/1/2026.
A short summary of the discussion, along with the meeting report and End of Year Accounts, will be uploaded shortly to ensure transparency and ongoing access for all levy payers.
If you have any follow-up questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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.
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 […]
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.
