Special video interview: Watch as Scotland Loves Local ambassador Sean Batty meets Alan Sayers – a man for whom no two days are the same and whose work is credited with helping make the town centre in which he works a better place for all.
Veteran former soldier Alan Sayers is considered by many to be a one-man army.
Whether it’s dealing with anti-social behaviour, clearing graffiti, guiding visitors or administering lifesaving first aid, nothing is beyond the ex-Royal Scots colour sergeant’s skills in his current job as Falkirk’s street ambassador.
His role – working for Falkirk Delivers Business Improvement District – saw him honoured as a High Street Hero in last year’s Scotland Loves Local Awards.
And he’s back in the spotlight again as Scotland Loves Local Week 2025 launches with a theme that could not be more appropriate for him – People Make Places.
His infectious enthusiasm for work is such that television presenter Sean Batty – an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local – declared after meeting him: “Every town needs an Alan.”
Alan, 56, said: “No two days are the same, and that’s one of the great things about this job – my day can involve anything from removing graffiti and reporting damage, to dressing up as a dinosaur as part of the recent brick dinosaur trail, and even delivering emergency first aid.”
Alan is a well-known friendly and helpful face in the town centre, with a large part of his time spent supporting independent local businesses in Falkirk and offering advice to tourists who visit the town centre.
“I’m passionate about Falkirk and passionate about promoting it because it’s a great place to visit. We have fantastic businesses, great people and there is such a rich history here.
“People don’t realise that the original Irn Bru factory was here.
“There’s so much happening and there is a lot of effort going into encouraging more people to come and visit the town centre, spend money with local businesses and boost the local economy.
“We’ve got great people, brilliant shops and a story that deserves to be told. My job’s to help tell it.”
While Alan was crowned as the Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero for Central Scotland in November, he is keen to stress the support he gets from his colleagues at Falkirk Delivers.
“It’s nice to get a pat on the back, but the award belongs to the team here at Falkirk Delivers. We are a team and I am proud of the work we do to make Falkirk a better place to live, work and visit.”
His tireless commitment to the area was also highlighted in a UK Parliament early day motion tabled by Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank which congratulated Alan on his ‘humility, professionalism and dedication to his community’.
Scotland Loves Local ambassador Sean Batty met Alan as he visited Falkirk to launch Scotland Loves Local Week 2025, which started yesterday (Saturday).
The STV weatherman said: “Alan is such an extraordinary man.
“From saving lives one day to dressing up as a dinosaur the next, the diversity of his role is absolutely remarkable. His love for Falkirk shines through in everything he does. He’s a fountain of knowledge, a friendly face, and a total force of nature.
“The theme of Scotland Loves Local Week this year is People Make Places, and I can’t think of a more perfect example than Alan. Falkirk is lucky to have him. Every town needs an Alan.”
Scotland Loves Local Week is organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) – the national body championing local places as the heart of a stronger, fairer, and more resilient Scotland.
Falkirk Delivers is one of the organisations supporting the drive, celebrating the businesses which make up its community and encouraging people to choose local.
Elaine Grant, the BID’s manager, said: “We’re all extremely proud of Alan. He’s a real hero with a huge number of skills which we put to good use – and which the whole community benefits from. Nothing’s too much for him.
“He – along with the rest of our team – do all that we can to support the people who are behind Falkirk’s fabulous businesses.
“It’s true that people make places. We can all help our people and place to thrive by supporting local businesses, choosing local and ensuring we can build a better future together.”
Nominations for the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards close on Wednesday, August 27. Categories include Town of the Year. To make a nomination go to www.lovelocal.scot/awards.
