It’s gala and festival season across Scotland – and the time-honoured traditions taking part in so many of our communities have an important part in helping build the better future we all hope for.
From common ridings, to carnivals, agricultural shows to Highland games and festivals of all kinds, these are events which draw our people and places together – with visitors often returning to their home areas from all over the world.
And so often they’re not just about a single day or weekend.
The march-ridings currently taking place across southern Scotland, for example (including in Annan, Dumfriesshire, with last year’s event pictured above), often feature up to a fortnight of activities – with the likes of balls, raft races and sport competitions leading up to the main day itself, which brings thousands of people out on to the streets in so many communities.
Community events can be major crowd-pullers, supporting local businesses
So much of this supports local businesses in their communities – whether the hotels and guest houses which benefit from people returning “home” to the cafes, pubs and restaurants to which people visit on event days, or which gain additional business by supporting outdoors events.
Galas, shows and festivals are a superb showcase of the rich tapestry and history of our communities.
They’re a chance for people to get together and let community spirit shine.
It’s important that we get behind those events in our own local areas where we can.
By doing so, we’re not only honouring traditions which are deep-rooted, but supporting local enterprises too. These are days and events which are not just about recognising our past, but embracing the present, providing a valuable boost to local economies.
Supporting local businesses safeguards shops and services, protects jobs and provides the foundations from which a better, fairer future will be built for us all.
It’s fantastic to see the celebrations taking place across the country – with so many remarkable sights. They’re a celebration of localism. And a stronger, more sustainable Scotland will be one which has localism at its heart.
Biggar, in South Lanarkshire, is among the communities hosting gala events
Please, support the events in your area. Choosing local is a decision which supports us all.
To find out how you and your community can become involved in Scotland Loves Local, please email [email protected].
More details about Scotland’s Towns Partnership – the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local – can be found here.
