The life-improving impact of choosing local has been highlighted as Scotland Loves Local Week draws to a close.
A message that’s relevant to every community in the country has been shared in a video released by East Dunbartonshire Council.
While reminding the community of the difference they can make by supporting local businesses in the region – including by spending with the Scotland Loves Local East Dunbartonshire Gift Card – Council Leader Gordan Low said: “It all makes a difference – protecting jobs and helping to ensure our villages and towns have a bright future.”
The impact of thinking local first has been highlighted up and down the country as part of Scotland Loves Local Week 2024 (August 26 – September 1).
It has highlighted how supporting local businesses and initiatives is the foundation to building a better, stronger and more sustainable future for communities – one which has localism at its heart.
In East Dunbartonshire, the council and the region’s two Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) – Milngavie and Kirkintilloch – have played a key role in flying the flag for the campaign.
The BIDs have each signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge – a commitment to encouraging its members and other local businesses to support each other by prioritising local enterprises, as well as urging the wider community to choose local.
Read more: BIDs back the Scotland Loves Local Pledge
Kirkintilloch is one of Scotland’s newest BIDs – and also launched a new coffee and cake town trail as part of a pilot project unveiled during Scotland Loves Local Week.
Jim Hopkins, Chair of Kirkintilloch BID, pictured at the top of this article, said, “As the Scotland Loves Local Pledge states: ‘We will choose local, prioritising the people and businesses around us at every opportunity.’
“We are fully behind ongoing efforts to support town and village centres, including the East Dunbartonshire Gift Card. Please choose local whenever possible.”
Graeme Ross, Chair of Milngavie BID, said, “We were pleased to sign the pledge – reaffirming our commitment to local businesses, shops, hospitality venues and service providers – which are at the heart of the area’s economy.”
Gavin’s Mill in Milngavie also starred in a special Scotland Loves Local video, as presenter Sean Batty went behind the scenes there to see how the project is making a difference in the community.
East Dunbartonshire Gift Cards are available as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, being led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership – supported by the Council.
Supporting it is as easy as 1, 2, 3 – just select the amount you want to load on to the card by visiting the gift card website and it will then be sent out.
Find out more about the wider Scotland Loves Local Gift Card programme
Cards can be spent at any participating shop, restaurant, café, bar or business – helping to bolster the local economy, local businesses and local jobs.
For a list of participating retailers in East Dunbartonshire, visit the gift card website.
If you’re a business and want to sign up to receive the gift card, it couldn’t be easier – visit the gift card website. There are no registration costs and payments are processed as part of the Mastercard network.
For FAQs, visit the Council’s gift card webpage.
Councillor Low said: “It’s vital we support the local economy as much as possible by using shops, service providers and hospitality venues in East Dunbartonshire. The gift card is a great way to show someone you care while also helping businesses in our communities.”
Scotland Loves Local Week, which is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, is focusing the spotlight on the critical difference that choosing local can mean to the future of communities, as well as showcasing great work taking place across the country to build stronger and more sustainable places.
