Shoppers across Scotland are being urged to think, choose and spend local to ensure the survival of businesses in their communities.
“The time has come for people in every community across the country to make the positive decision to get behind local businesses of every kind – and then stick with them. By doing so, they will help protect the jobs of family, friends and neighbours,” says Phil Prentice, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP).
STP spearheads the Scotland Loves Local campaign, with the support of the Scottish Government. It urges people to prioritise supporting enterprises of all kinds – be they shops, cafes, restaurants, leisure attractions or other services – based in their home area, whether in person or online.
Mr Prentice adds: “The decisions we make about where we spend our money are critical to the survival of businesses which are part of the fabric of our communities.
“Put simply, if we do not use them, we will lose them. That would be a tragedy on so many levels, particularly following the remarkable ways in which the people behind them have supported their customers during the pandemic.
“Local life is going to be at the heart of a stronger, more sustainable Scotland. Choosing local and spending with local businesses is an investment in your future.”
Businesses and community organisations across the country have been throwing their weight behind Scotland Loves Local.
Davie Crooks, butchery manager of West Coast Foods in Prestwick, South Ayrshire, is among those urging shoppers to think local and act local.
Having been a butcher for 35 years – all of his working life – he knows all too well that the experience of buying local is unrivalled.
“For us, it’s all about the customer. They come first. Being a local business we get to know everybody – and they get to know us,” he says while greeting shoppers to the Main Street shop.
“Prestwick is a great wee town with so many independent shops”
The vital work carried out by local businesses to support their communities saw a resurgence in appreciation of their roles – along with the quality produce, goods and services they provide.
West Coast Foods has been among those going above and beyond to ensure people do not go without, particularly during the early days of the pandemic.
Mr Crooks adds: “A lot of people have really valued what we’ve done. We did a free delivery service to older people. We just wanted to make sure that they could get fed.
“We didn’t take holidays either. We wanted to make sure that people could get the food they needed.
“Also, we always work with local suppliers, so we had no bother sourcing all that we needed. And, of course, we employ local people.”
You can find out more about the Scotland Loves Local campaign – including how to get behind the drive in your community – by going to www.lovelocal.scot. You can also follow #ScotlandLovesLocal and #ChooseLocal on social media.
- For details about how you can get behind businesses in your region by spending with the new Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, click here.
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