Businesses in a community which has played a starring role in Scotland Loves Local this summer have had their efforts praised by a local MSP.
Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur met members of All About Barrhead Business Improvement District (BID) as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.
And Mr Arthur, who is also Minister for Community Wealth at Holyrood, highlighted the importance of support for local businesses in building stronger communities across the region.
F&M Hairdressing and Bluestone Gift Shops on Cross Arthurlie Street have been among the businesses to feature as part of the national #ScotlandLovesLocal social media campaign in recent months.
Images of them have been at the heart of the message behind promoting the critical difference that choosing local makes – one that was shining under the spotlight of Scotland Loves Local Week, which ended on Sunday (September 3).
Mr Arthur said: “It’s great to have the chance to speak with members of All About Barrhead and to thank them for the tremendous work they’re doing, both in the community and in support of Scotland Loves Local.
“We know that people in our towns and villages really value local businesses and services – and Scotland Loves Local Week is a chance to celebrate the work that local businesses do.
“It’s also a reminder to us all of the difference we can make by shopping locally and choosing local, which is at the heart of community wealth building in our communities.
“Loving local means supporting a sustainable future for Renfrewshire South – making it an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Mr Arthur was shown around the businesses by Brian MacMillan of F&M Hairdressing, who also sits on the board of All About Barrhead.
Mr MacMillan said: “It’s fantastic that Barrhead has been able to play such a prominent part in Scotland Loves Local this summer and to have the chance to chat with Mr Arthur about just how important local support is to our businesses and the jobs they create.
“All About Barrhead is working really hard to get behind people in the community and encourage everyone to do all they can to support the many brilliant businesses we have.
“Local businesses like ours are the heart of every community. We support local charities, we employ local people and provide services in the town that are needed and wanted. Being part of the community is everything to us in Barrhead.”
As well as visiting F&M Hairdressing and Bluestone, Mr Arthur also called into long-established bridalwear businesses Moda Dea.
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership – the organisation which champions the nation’s towns and places – with support from the Scottish Government.
By encouraging people to support businesses of all kinds in their community – whether shops, cafes, restaurants, visitor attractions or other services – it is hoped that communities can be become stronger and better places in which to live, work and visit.
People across East Renfrewshire can also show their support for the region’s businesses by spending using the Scotland Loves Local East Renfrewshire Gift Card, which local businesses and other organisations are also being encouraged to use as rewards for staff and volunteers – keeping money local for longer.
