Watch the video: Politicians from across the political spectrum showed their support for Scotland Loves Local Week 2025, shining a spotlight on the people who make places.
It was a fantastic show of support for the third Scotland Loves Local Week, which saw MSPs and MPs visiting businesses in their constituencies, as well as taking part in key events.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes MSP, highlighted the importance of choosing local as she visited a popular local bakery in Dingwall, saying: “by supporting businesses on the high street, you know that you are supporting local jobs. You’re investing in the local economy and you’re also raising the opportunities for other businesses in the area”.
Labour’s Shadow Economy Secretary Daniel Johnson MSP was joined by STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie for a visit to his local Edinburgh Southern constituency:
Speaking during his visit, Mr Johnson said: “As a former retailer, I know first-hand how much local independent businesses contribute to high street communities in Scotland. Morningside High Street, in the heart of Edinburgh Southern, is a fantastic example of this – a community-minded high street with a varied and diverse array of shops and places to eat and drink.
Central Scotland MSP and Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Towns and Town Centres Meghan Gallacher also praised the economic impact of spending money locally as she visited family business Baba’s Kitchen in Bellshill.
On the wider need to back local businesses of all kinds, Ms Gallacher added: “Our towns and town centres have had a challenging time in recent years.
“The only way we can protect, sustain and grow local businesses is to shop local, to help local businesses thrive and help the local economy, which benefits us all.”
