First Minister announces £80m Covid Economic Recovery Fund
A new £80 million Covid Economic Recovery Fund targeting support for businesses and communities will help Scotland as it moves to a new phase in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Councils will have the flexibility to target support either using existing schemes like Scotland Loves Local, Business Improvement Districts or place based investment programmes, or individual […]
Online market launched as Edinburgh West End issues ‘choose local’ rallying cry
Businesses in Edinburgh’s West End have joined forces in a rapid response to keep seasonal trade alive in the wake of heightened coronavirus concerns. Shops, venues and attractions in the area would normally expect to be busy into the New Year as people flock to the capital for festive celebrations. But with Scottish Government guidelines […]
Scots shoppers urged to stay safe and choose local amid Omicron restrictions
Shoppers across Scotland are being urged to think safety first and stay local in the Christmas countdown as new coronavirus restrictions come into force. Town centre chiefs have issued the plea ahead of the final shopping weekend before the festive break, traditionally one of the busiest of the year. And they have asked customers to […]
‘Choose Local’ plea to fuel Scotland’s fightback from Covid-19
A rallying cry has been issued for people across Scotland to take action that will help save jobs, businesses and build a stronger future for their home communities. The latest wave of the Scotland Loves Local campaign launches today (Monday, July 5) with a clear message: It has never been more critical to choose local. […]
Dunbartonshire Loves Local campaign is off to a flyer across five towns
A print campaign to highlight the importance of supporting local businesses and urge people to shop local is being rolled out across five towns in Dunbartonshire. A #LovesLocal flyer listing some of the region’s local businesses – and which will be delivered door-to-door – has been produced for Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Clydebank, Dumbarton and The Vale […]
Sustrans Scotland Blog: How Local Active Travel Promotes Liveable Communities
Daisy Narayanan, Director of Urbanism for Sustrans, drawns on the lessons of Covid-19 to show how local, active travel can contribute to more liveable and sustainable communities. – – – During lockdown, people had a taste of what it’s like to live locally. We all learned to adapt, forced to live locally through lockdown, bringing […]
Shop Local: Consumers Turn to Local, Multi-Venue Gift Card Schemes
Scottish fintech Miconex has revealed that over £1.9 million was spent through its Town and City Gift Card programmes in 2020, providing evidence that consumers are turning to local, multi-venue gift card programmes in a bid to support local businesses. The 2020 sales data represents 350% year on year growth for the firm. Perth based Miconex took its total […]
Phil Prentice: Thinking local first isn’t just a resolution – it’s a lifeline
Lives and livelihoods depend upon us all remaining resolute to two key pillars in the battle against Covid-19 at this critical time: Staying safe and staying local. I’m not being unnecessarily dramatic by saying that. The message from the Scottish Government on this could not, after all, be clearer. To stem the spread of coronavirus […]
Stay Local, Stay Safe: Support for Local Shops Grows as Covid-19 Restrictions Ease
Scotland Loves Local campaign poll boost for businesses revealed as Government lifts Level 4 measures across large parts of central Scotland Support is strengthening for Scotland’s local businesses as Christmas shoppers are urged to back businesses close to home amid the reopening of huge numbers of shops today. A town centres chief and Scottish Government […]
Two-Thirds of Scots Shoppers Will Support Local Stores Online this Christmas
Poll boost as festive bargain-hunters are urged not to forget shops from their high street when searching for Christmas presents on the internet More than two-thirds of Scots say they will shop online with stores from their local high street this Christmas. The strong show of support for local businesses has been highlighted amid calls […]