BID Fort William: Building Partnerships and Delivering for Local Businesses

At a national level, BID Fort William is actively engaged with Scotland’s Improvement Districts and has forged links with BIDs in Oban, Inverness, Nairn, and Dornoch, ensuring Fort William benefits from shared learning and a stronger collective voice.

Mary also represented local businesses at the Highland Council Visitor Levy Workshop, making sure concerns were firmly on the table.

Alongside this, she has been meeting levy payers directly to hear their priorities and ensure delivery is shaped by their needs. The Board of Directors has now been appointed and held its first full meeting, where applications for Property Improvement Grants were reviewed and awards confirmed.

The BID’s first AGM has also been confirmed for January, with full details to follow. This will provide levy payers with the opportunity to have their say and help shape priorities for the year ahead.

How does Fort William BID work?

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.

BID Fort William has the potential to bring tangible benefits by helping local businesses respond to some of the key challenges facing our town.

Some of the priorities raised locally include:

• Improved cleanliness and appearance of the town centre

• More joined-up promotion of Fort William as a place to visit, stay and invest

• Better communication between businesses, public services and community groups

• Support during the quieter trading months to retain staff and stabilise turnover

A BID can help address these through direct investment and partnership working, underpinned by a clear, deliverable business plan.

The levy creates a reliable source of income which is ringfenced for local priorities, decided by the businesses themselves.

The Fort William BID is in its early stages. There is an opportunity now to shape what it delivers and how it operates. Business owners and stakeholders will be invited to contribute to setting the agenda.

Key areas for discussion may include:

• Town centre improvements

• Visitor and tourism strategy

• Off-season business support

• Grant funding and business continuity planning

• Place marketing and local events

By working together, levy payers can ensure that funding goes directly to the things that matter most, with transparent governance and regular updates.

Meet the Board

Archie MacDonald

Highland Soap

Archie MacDonald is a director of BID Fort William and serves as the Executive Director of The Highland Soap Co. Ltd. His expertise in retail and commitment to local enterprise play a pivotal role in steering the BID’s initiatives to enhance Fort William’s commercial landscape.

Jane MacDonald

Alvance Group

Jane MacDonald serves as a director of BID Fort William and holds the position of Head of Operational Excellence at ALVANCE Aluminium Group. Her background in operational management contributes significantly to the BID’s focus on efficiency and excellence in delivering projects that benefit the local business community.

Mark MacLean

MacLean Guest House

Mark MacLean is a director of BID Fort William and brings extensive experience in business development and project management. His leadership is instrumental in coordinating efforts to implement the BID’s strategic plans, fostering economic growth and community engagement in Fort William.

David MacGillivray

Shiel Buses

David MacGillivray brings commercial insight and operational expertise to the Board through his role as Managing Director of Shiel Buses, the leading transport provider in Lochaber. Actively involved in strategic investment, service development, and rural connectivity, he offers a practical perspective on the intersection of transport, tourism, and local infrastructure - key to supporting sustainable growth across the area.

Lesley Main

Ben Nevis Bar & Restaurant Lesley Main is co-owner and director of the Ben Nevis Bar, a long-standing hospitality business on Fort William’s high street. Originally from Glasgow, she brings a background in corporate management alongside hands-on experience as a key local employer. Lesley champions local producers through a welcoming, award-winning venue. Her blend of strategic insight and customer-focused leadership adds real value to the Board.

John Cameron

Glen Nevis Holidays

John Cameron is co-owner and director of Glen Nevis Holidays, a long-established tourism and estate business at the foot of Ben Nevis. He helps manage the holiday park, cottages, and touring facilities, supporting local employment and year-round tourism. John is also active in conservation and sustainable land use in Glen Nevis. His combined experience in tourism and land management brings a valuable long-term view to the Board.

BID Fort William is here to deliver – They are setting the pace to ensure that results are both visible and lasting.

If you have any questions, feedback or ideas, please do get in touch with me, your Project Manager - Mary Philip at manager@bidfortwilliam.co.uk.
bidfortwilliam.co.uk