The first Scotland Loves Local Week has been declared a success – capturing the attention of thousands nationwide.
Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) promoted a week of special visits and events to highlight the critical need for people to help build a better future for their communities by supporting the businesses around them.
And it certainly attracted enthusiastic and positive attention.
There was a positive reaction to the results of polling specially-commissioned for Scotland Loves Local Week which revealed that nearly nine-in-10 Scots realise the importance of supporting their local high street.
More than 40 MSPs and MPs visited businesses in their constituencies to chat with staff and show their support for all that they do for communities – highlighting their importance to jobs and encouraging investment.
Social media posts across all STP channels reached tens of thousands of people, using the hashtags #ScotlandLovesLocal and #ChooseLocal.
Improvement Districts were among the key cheerleaders, encouraging businesses and organisations in their area to fly the flag for choosing local – welcoming politicians as well as producing special videos and hosting promotions for customers.
Our messages were amplified brilliantly by key stakeholders, including VisitScotland, and supporters of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card.
We embraced the opportunity to tell some amazing stories of the difference that choosing local makes, including:
- How the decision to take control and embracing localism saved a family farm from the brink
- How a boutique owner’s love of retail was sparked as a child as she watched her father work – and why she’s positive about the future
- How a Scotland Loves Local Awards winner is giving other small businesses a home on the high street
And our Scotland Loves Local ambassador Sean Batty shared his hopes for the future of high streets – as well as shining the spotlight on one of his favourite Scottish places in his latest video for us.
STP Interim Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “The response to Scotland Loves Local Week has been fantastic. Our thanks go to everyone who took part or supported in any way.
“The week was a powerful reminder of how much there is to be positive about when it comes to our towns and town centres. The work that’s taking place to make them even better places in which to live, work and visit is testament to the collaborative efforts of communities, businesses and citizens alike.
“Localism will be at the heart of a stronger, more sustainable Scotland. The foundations of that better future start with us all choosing local – supporting local businesses and jobs – so that we can invest in our communities and see the greater successes that we all hope for.”
Scotland Loves Local is supported by the Scottish Government.
To discuss more about how you can get involved in our work, please email [email protected].
