A prominent businessman has lifted a top national award for the “profound” impact he has had championing and improving his community
Kilmarnock-based optician Peter Telfer has lifted the Scotland Loves Local Place Leader Award in recognition of his dedication in championing his hometown and the wider area.
He was surprised with the honour at a meeting of Kilmarnock Business Association, of which he is a former chair – with his success among a number for the region in the awards announced today (Friday).
Mr Telfer is the managing director of Urquhart Opticians, which has 13 branches, and a member of Kilmarnock Town Board.
Speaking after being presented with his prize by Scotland’s Towns Partnership Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie, he said: “I’m delighted.
“This is recognition of a lot of hard work by many businesses, people and organisations in Kilmarnock. It’s an award for the whole community.
“Kilmarnock is a town where we are making things happen and we have some great opportunities in front of us. It’s great to play a part in that, as so many others are.”
Mr Telfer’s award nomination described him as “an unwavering champion for the development and regeneration of Kilmarnock”.
“Peter has made a profound impact on the community. He embodies the qualities of a true place leader,” it stated.
“His dedication to Kilmarnock’s development, support for local businesses, leadership in regeneration projects and commitment to collaborative working have profoundly shaped the town’s landscape and future.
“He has not only driven tangible improvements in Kilmarnock but has inspired a sense of community spirit and collective purpose that will benefit the town for years to come.”
Key projects in which he has been involved include the promotion of the East Ayrshire Gift card and the Scotland Loves Local campaign encouraging people to choose local, as well as improvements to St Marnock’s Square and the creation of the town’s Countess and Robert Burns murals.
Alison Kelly, Partner at James Guthrie & Company LLP, was among those who congratulated Mr Telfer on his success, saying: “Peter Telfer is a remarkable leader and visionary whose dedication to both his business and the community of Kilmarnock is truly inspiring.
“His unwavering dedication to the betterment of Kilmarnock is a testament to his character and his deep-rooted love for the community.”
Kimberley Guthrie added: “Every town in Scotland needs a Peter Telfer. It’s fantastic to be able to recognise and reward all that he does for Kilmarnock and, indeed, the wider region
“People make places and are at the heart of transforming our towns into places that people want to work, visit, live and – ultimately – invest in.”
Claire Kavanagh, Strategic Lead for Community Led Regeneration, East Ayrshire Council, also congratulated Mr Telfer.
She said: “In East Ayrshire we’ve long recognised that the best driver for regeneration, boosting wellbeing and prosperity in our communities is partnership working. Peter’s well deserved accolade is a testament to that ethos – his passion and drive has galvanised us all, allowing us to achieve goals and implement initiatives which we could never have reached individually as separate organisations.
“By harnessing ideas, talents and expertise from all walks of life, and working collectively, we’ve already made great strides locally, and with the help of all our partners we’re confident that we can tackle many more issues in our town centres to help with our community wealth building and net zero ambitions. Peter is a beacon for others to follow and thanks to his involvement and encouragement we now have a wide pool of enthusiastic champions who are making lasting and positive change happen.”
Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise and reward all that’s great about the nation’s towns and neighbourhoods and the work to ensure they become stronger and more sustainable.
Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local.
