A COMMUNITY champion at the heart of life in Moffat has been crowned a ‘High Street Hero’.
Artist and entrepreneur Linnhe Cringean is one of the driving forces behind the town’s major events.
For more than 20 years, her dedication and determination has not only been credited with boosting business by growing Moffat’s reputation as a go-to town, but with making the community better.
Those efforts have been recognised and rewarded as the South of Scotland’s High Street Hero in the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Linnhe is the chair of Moffat Promotions Group (MPG), as well as being one of the businesswomen behind 17 Reasons, the Well Street gift shop which provides a platform for local designers and makers.
The mum-of-two, who has lived in Moffat since 1994, first became involved in community life as part of the Babes and Tots group with a natural progression on to Moffat Academy Parent Teacher Association. She also volunteered in the town’s Oxfam shop, with her work growing from there.
A talented painter, sewer, and crafter, she got to know other makers at markets she attended until an MS diagnosis made participation difficult, leading to her joining forces with friends Lydia Larmour and Alexis Johnston and launching 17 Reasons in 2014.
Reacting to her award, Linnhe said: “This is completely out of the blue – a total surprise.
“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.”
Linnhe, who is also a member of Moffat Gala Committee, joined MPG in 2014, becoming chair four years later.
The committee has responded to the needs of the community to help 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.
MPG events showcase local people, organisations, businesses and musicians, including the Moffat Duck Race Fun Day in Station Park, Mass Garage Sale, Picnic in the Park and the Midsummer Market.
The Christmas Lights Festival has become a highlight of the year, drawing large numbers of people to the town.
Linnhe added: “Moffat is such a community-orientated town.
“We have a population of just over 2500 and, at one point, there were around 60 different groups. People here like to get on and get things done.”
Scotland Loves Local is in its fourth year.
