Family business owner Douglas MacMillan knows all too well the critical difference that people choosing local makes, creating a thriving community which everyone can be part and proud of.
He runs town centre business Jacks the Ironmonger, as well as being vice-chair of Discover Lanark Business Improvement District.
The Hyndford Place enterprise, pictured below, has been in his family’s ownership since 1985 – and in existence for at least 100 years before that.
Its entire life has been underpinned by local support.
Speaking as Discover Lanark signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, Douglas said: “If local businesses don’t receive support from their community, they won’t last long. It’s crucial for residents to back the town’s businesses to ensure their survival and growth.
“Fortunately, the Lanark community is very supportive of each other. We need that not just to continue but actually to increase.
“I believe a successful business community is crucial to the health and development of the town overall, allowing Lanark to flourish.”
The rallying cry to choose local as part of Scotland Loves Local Week really struck home in the South Lanarkshire community, making front page news in local newspaper, the Lanark and Carluke Advertiser.
Douglas, pictured centre at the top of this article, was joined in signing the pledge on behalf of Discover Lanark by fellow town business owners Graeme Ferguson of Lanark Cycles, pictured left, and Brian Chambers of Wallace Emporium beside one of the town’s striking William Wallace murals.
The signing of the pledge was a statement of intent by the BID in encouraging its members – and the wider community – to support other local businesses.
Local authorities, businesses and individuals across the country are being urged to sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge – as they did in great number during Scotland Loves Local Week.
It states: “We will choose local, prioritising the people and businesses around us at every opportunity.”
Read more: BIDs back the Scotland Loves Local Pledge
Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) spearheads Scotland Loves Local with support from the Scottish Government.
Chief officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “We are delighted to see Discover Lanark sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge and publicly demonstrate its commitment to supporting other local businesses.”
Discover Lanark plays a key role in galvanising support for businesses, with events and initiatives which encourage residents and visitors to the town.
Its recent Jurassic Lanark event attracted thousands of people – with more than 80% of visitors surveyed saying they had something to eat or drink while in Lanark, with 46% visiting at least one local shop.
Scotland Loves Local Week (August 26th – September 1st) champions the critical difference that choosing local makes to building stronger, more sustainable, communities.
