A leading figure is backing the Scotland Loves Local campaign, urging all shoppers to think local first to support the economy in its recovery from the impact of Covid-19.
South of Scotland Enterprise Chair, Professor Russel Griggs OBE, has highlighted the powerful impact that people supporting their businesses has.
He said: “We very much welcome the launch of the Scotland Loves Local Campaign.
“The lockdown has brought great uncertainty for businesses and the people they employ, and the full effects on the economy are not yet known. We would encourage people to shop locally – and safely – to support their high street. Every purchase we make, every item we buy, is a shop helped and a job supported.
“As the Enterprise Agency for the South of Scotland, we are fully committed to supporting local businesses as they begin to recover from the pandemic, reopen their doors and welcome back customers safely.”
Scotland Loves Local has been launched by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with the support of the Scottish Government.
It encourages people to support shops, cafes, bars and restaurants in their own communities before thinking of travelling further afield or turning to online retail giants – and to do that responsibly by following all hygiene and social distancing guidelines.
Scotland Loves Local has been launched amid polling for Scotland’s Towns Partnership which highlighted the willingness of Scots shoppers to support their town centres.
The poll, which surveyed over 1,000 Scottish adults, found that:
- 66% say they are going to prioritise shopping locally when the high streets reopen following coronavirus restrictions;
- 64% say the future of their town centre depends on whether or not local people support them; and,
- 88% say it is vital that the general public support their local high street.
Businesses across the country have been working with Business Improvement Districts, Local Authorities and others to put in place arrangements which mean people can shop locally, but safely. These arrangements include the use of screens, distance markers and signage, the provision of hand sanitizer instore and capacity limits.
All shoppers are being strongly urged to follow Scottish Government hygiene and social distancing guidelines.
For more information about how you can support Scotland Loves Local, click here.
For more details about South of Scotland Enterprise and its work, go to www.southofscotlandenterprise.com.
