INNERLEITHEN has missed out on being crowned Scotland's Most Beautiful High Street.

The Peeblesshire town was one of eight communities shortlisted recently by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

But the online poll has led to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands coming out on top with almost 5,000 votes.

It was another island town, Lerwick, that came second in the online vote.

Phil Prentice, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: "This competition is all about recognising the work and effort of local people to make their high streets the best they can be.

"It’s not just an award for a high street, it’s an award for the people who occupy it.

"I’ve seen first hand just some of the innovation and forward thinking used in Kirkwall and it is a real demonstration of what can be achieved with creativity and determination.

“I want to warmly congratulate Kirkwall, and all of the worthy towns who were shortlisted.

"It’s no secret that our high streets have been under pressure for the past few years, but this competition gives us hope for the future.

"When people come together and take ownership of their places, great things can happen and big challenges can be overcome.”

The online vote took place over a four week period through the Scotland’s Towns Partnership website.

As well as Innerleithen, the other shortlisted towns were Ayr, Linlithgow, Lanark and Rothesay.