Congratulating Lucy Lawson of Unicorn Markets CIC

That the Parliament congratulates Lucy Lawson, founding director of Unicorn Markets CIC in Bathgate, on being named High Street Hero for Central Scotland and Lothians West Region in the Scotland Loves Local Awards 2026; understands that in her final year studying business, Lucy was asked to write a business plan for a social enterprise, and embarking on research on what became of the Old Bathgate Market, it became apparent that this event had been an integral part of life in Bathgate; further understands that, rather than just constructing a plan, Lucy decided to bring a market back to Bathgate and it happened in 2023 with Unicorn Markets CIC being formed on 27 February of that year, with Bathgate Market and car boot sale opening on 10 June at the old railway station car park as an initial five-week trial; believes that with around 4,000 visitors reported on the opening day, the successful pilot was extended and grew into a year-round weekly market, which continues to the present day, with free pitches helping charities and community groups to take part; understands that in December 2023, Lucy created and ran the Christmas Street Market as part of Bathgate’s festive light switch-on, which has also returned every year since; acknowledges that in three years, community activity has widened into growing, reuse, repair and learning, all alongside the weekly market; considers that Lucy has also been elected as a 2026 Churchill Fellow to research community-led market models in Germany and the USA, and commends what it sees as her sterling and tireless endeavours with this remarkable initiative and example of creating community cohesion for the benefit of all Bathgate’s residents, charities, independent businesses and many others.