Opt-in membership is available to businesses that either exist out-with the catchment area of Nairn BID, or whose property’s rateable value lies below the £1000 threshold, but still wish to support the BID and receive most of the benefits that members do. As Nairn BID exists for the improvement of Nairn as a whole then supporting the BID can be a valuable way of saying to your customers that you as a business are contributing to making Nairn a better place.
Opt-in members receive the same benefits as other members, they just don’t have the voting rights that levy area businesses do when it comes to the renewal ballot for the BID. For the five year business plan which outlines the main areas of spending and objectives of Nairn BID, please click here.
They can apply for free stalls at our events and markets, benefit from free marketing and promotion (website listing, social media sharing and member of the month), and attend our meetings, business workshops and networking events.
Nairn BID organises street markets along the High Street several times a year. The BID also runs Taste of Nairn, Wheels of Nairn and the Countdown to Christmas events.
If you think your business would benefit by being part of the BID and you would like to join, please fill in our application form. You can also send us a photograph and listing wording for the VisitNairn website.
Opt-in membership starts from £125 a year. Membership runs for our financial year from 1st October to 30th September. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch – office@nairnconnects.com
Two tattie champs crowned at Taste of Nairn
Two World Tattie Scone Champions have been crowned at Taste of Nairn.
Alan Rankin, Chieftain of the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship, came joint first with 12-year-old Lucie Roger after the judges struggled to decide on a sole winner.
The Championships, sponsored by Oakwood Cookery School and supported by Albert Bartlett and Carr’s Flour, took place at Taste of Nairn, which is now in its sixth year.
Lucie from Forres, who had never made a tattie scone before said: “I had a fantastic time and it was very good, I had a good laugh. I’m really happy that I was joint first place. I never expected that, as I had never tried making a tattie scone before.”
Alan Rankin has praised the organisers for delivering a warm, welcoming, and friendly event in Nairn.
“As Chieftain of the Carrbridge based Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships, I know how much dedication and hard work goes into organising a successful food championship. I would like to congratulate and thank the organisers, volunteers, and competitors for creating such wonderful enjoyable atmosphere throughout the day.
“Both our events are based around our communities relying on support of local businesses, sponsors and volunteers. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate Scottish food traditions in such a welcoming setting.”
Alan’s joint winning dish Tattoaty Scone took inspiration from merging the traditional tattie scone with a mix of roasted oats, rough cut oats and a hint of secret ingredient.
Alan added. “We look forward to welcoming the Tattie Scone organisers and competitors to The Golden Spurtle on October 3 in Carrbridge.”
Taste of Nairn is sponsored by the Golf View Hotel and Spa. It takes place over three days and as well as the World Tattie Scone Championships boasts two markets, live music, food and drink demos, a taster room where people can attempt the omelette challenge, decorate a biscuit and make a fruit kebab.
It also encourages the local businesses to get involved, with many creating their own food and drink events or special offers,
Sarah Holmes from business Task In Hand located on the town centre’s Brae said: “Task In Hand opened in November so this was our first experience of Taste of Nairn and we had an amazing day. The town centre was bustling, and the shop was busy all day long. It was easily as busy as the Christmas shopping period and market day. Thanks to everyone involved in making the day happen and everyone who and supported the event and businesses in Nairn.”
Lucy Harding, manager of Nairn BID which organises the event, said: “Taste of Nairn is now well established, and this year’s event has been a huge success. The sun shone for the street market which saw the town’s businesses spilling out onto the street to join the traders who came from around the region. It was great to see so many businesses getting involved and creating their own events or offers. “The events we create really are done through teamwork and support from the whole community.”
Lucy added: “Thanks also to the Golf View Hotel and Spa who have supported us as title sponsor again, and to the other sponsors, businesses and volunteers, whose help makes this event happen.”
