An MSP saluted the success of a thriving East Lothian family farm businesses as he and its owner highlighted the impact of support local businesses.
South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy visited Yester Farm Dairies in a show of support for Scotland Loves Local Week (August 26 – September 1).
There, he heard how the support of local people was critical to the success of the award-winning Gifford artisan venture, run by husband and wife team Simon and Jackie McCreery.
Speaking as he visited, the Scottish Conservative Party Chairman urged people across the region and throughout the country to support local enterprises like it as much as they possibly can.
He highlighted his own commitment to thinking local first by signing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, a commitment to support local businesses whenever it is possible to do so.
Craig Hoy said: “It was an absolute pleasure meeting Simon and Jackie to find out exactly what it takes to run a successful small business like theirs. I fully support the Love Local message and encourage everyone to think local first.”
The dairy enterprise at Yester Mains operates alongside the family farm.
Once milking is finished on the farm, the milk can be piped straight from the milking parlour to its modern pasteurisation plant and cheese room on-site where an artisan range of soft cheeses, cottage cheese, yogurts, creme fraiche, soured cream and fiore di latte mozzarella is produced.
Customers stretch across Scotland and throughout the UK.
Simon McCreery said: “It’s vitally important that people shop local. Not only are they supporting local farming, they’re supporting local jobs which – in turn – supports the local economy.”
Scotland Loves Local Week is being held from August 1 until September 1 to highlight the transformational power that supporting local businesses has on creating a stronger future for communities across Scotland.
It is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which champions the nation’s towns and places, leading the charge on the pivotal role they play in the national economy.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “The simple act of choosing local has a profound effect, laying the foundations of a new future for towns and neighbourhoods as we seize and create opportunities to make them stronger and more sustainable”
You can sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge here
