Scotland’s Town of the Year: Meet some of the people who help make the place
People behind businesses in Scotland’s reigning town of the year say the nation needs to think local first. Oban lifted the top town crown in the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards after judges heard how townsfolk banded together to reinvent the picturesque Argyllshire community. And, as part of Scotland Loves Local Week (August 23-30), shops […]
Shadow Economy Secretary praises Scotland’s diverse high street businesses
Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Business and Fair Work, Daniel Johnson MSP, showed his support for Scotland Loves Local Week as he visited local businesses in his Edinburgh Southern constituency. People make Places is the theme of activity across the country during the week, encouraging everyone to get behind those who make local businesses so […]
Scots convenience stores highlight critical need for shoppers to choose local
The critical role of community convenience stores in boosting Scotland’s economy has been highlighted as part of a major drive urging shoppers to choose local. Politicians have been visiting shops across the country to champion the need to show them even greater support – protecting jobs and keeping money local for longer – as part […]
Kilmarnock building transformation hailed as town’s ‘best kept secret’
A recently transformed building which has helped bring jobs back into the town centre has been hailed as Kilmarnock’s ‘best-kept secret’ by the Leader of East Ayrshire Council. Councillor Douglas Reid praised the impact of Corespace as an important regeneration initiative when he met its new owner, local businessman and property developer Hugh Mulgrew, on […]
Dundee businesses get behind rallying cry to choose local
Businesses in Dundee highlighted the transformational impact of choosing local as part of Scotland Loves Local Week 2025. The message to think local first is reinforced in Dundee through the Scotland Loves Local Dundee Gift Card, which was relaunched in July 2025 to lead a renewed push to keep spending local, secure jobs and support […]
£4m and counting: Aberdeen City Gift Card drives local spend
More than £4m in sales have been secured for businesses in Aberdeen by people spending with the city’s local gift card. The major milestone – and the significant impact on the economy – are being celebrated as part of Scotland Loves Local Week. Businesses throughout the city are this week are championing the message for […]
Deputy First Minister: ‘If you choose a local business, you are supporting local jobs’ – video
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes MSP, visited a popular bakery on Dingwall High Street – in her constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch – to mark Scotland Loves Local Week. Afterwards, we caught up with her and she spoke of how supporting local businesses protect local jobs, investing in the local economy and creating […]
Revealed: The £283m impact of spending just £1-a-week more with Scotland’s local businesses
Almost £283m more could be driven directly into Scotland’s regional economies if everyone in the country spent just £1-a-week extra with local businesses. The significant financial difference that can be made – safeguarding the future of businesses and protecting jobs – has been highlighted as part of Scotland Loves Local Week. Businesses and organisations across […]
High Street Hero: ‘One day I can be dressed as a dinosaur – the next I’m responding to emergencies’
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 […]
Scotland Loves Local Week 2025: Meet some of the people who make our places
The theme of Scotland Loves Local Week 2025 is People Make Places. Over the course of the coming days, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the people, businesses and organisations who are playing a critical part in shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for communities across the country. Read more: How you can get involved […]