Scotland Loves Local’s on the GO with Crofty and Grado

Radio duo Crofty and Grado are backing the rallying cry for Scotland to “choose local”.

And the GO Radio breakfast show hosts hit the streets of Crofty’s hometown to help highlight why we should all think local first.

They have shone a spotlight on businesses in Carluke, urging people to back businesses in their communities as they recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotland Loves Local has joined forces with GO Radio to promote the campaign, with the presenting pair – Graeme Stevely and Gary Muircroft –  appearing in this video, featuring people from businesses of all kinds in the South Lanarkshire town explaining why local support is so important.

Crofty was Grado’s tour guide for the day – with locals delighted to see them and learn more about the campaign.

Along the way, Crofty even managed to squeeze in a haircut while Grado sampled one of the town’s famous fritters.

Scotland Loves Local – spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership – is the campaign urging people to choose local and back businesses in their community to help them recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and build a stronger future.

After chatting to businesses in Carluke, Grado said: “People in local businesses are so passionate about what they do. I was blown away by how much they do to help each other – but they need their community to get behind them too. I really enjoyed meeting everyone.

“We all appreciate the way local businesses have been there for us during the pandemic, so they’ve got to keep on supporting them.”

Crofty, who has lived in the town with his family for a number of years, added: “I was delighted to show Grado around. It was great fun.

“We’ve fantastic people and businesses in Carluke and this was a tremendous opportunity to shine a spotlight on them as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.

“We all need to choose local and support businesses in our communities.”

Alan Forster Barbers is among the businesses which feature in the Carluke video.

Aaron Cleland, who runs the High Street enterprise with Scott McLean, said: “The most important thing that any of us can do is support our local businesses.

“The support we’ve had from our customers since the start of the pandemic has been unbelievable. We’re so grateful for it.”

Amir Nasri, of neighbouring Ebi’s Takeaway, explained: “If I need something, I buy it from another local business. We have to help each other or else we won’t survive”.

Laura McKay, one of the team at The Wee Thackit Inn, praised the way businesses and people in Carluke support each other.

Highlighting the importance, she stressed: “Without the support of local people we will not have jobs. It’s as simple as that. We’re lucky we have regulars who really support us.

“All of the businesses in the town try to support each other whenever they can. If someone’s involved in an event, we’ll all do our bit and donate a prize. Carluke’s the type of place where everyone knows everyone. We try to help one another.”

Graham McNeill owns confectionery store Take The Biscuit on Market Place and said: “From day one, the support we have had from local people has been fantastic. Without them we wouldn’t be here.”

Tune into Crofty and Grado on GO Radio between 6am and 10am each weekday. Find out more for the station’s support for Scotland Loves Local at www.thisisgo.co.uk.