MSPs enjoyed a little music, called into a bar – and even did a spot of ironing – as they championed the wonderful work of a town’s businesses.
Three local representatives at Holyrood met members of Hamilton Our Town Business Improvement District (BID) in celebration of Scotland Loves Local Week.
And they not only endorsed the drive for people to choose local and support enterprises in the community by chatting to staff – but spread the message via Hamilton Our Town’s TikTok too.
More than 11,000 people have watched videos by Hamilton Our Town showing the politicians on their visits, accompanied by BID manager Malcolm Thomas-Harley.
Hamilton, Stonehouse and Larkhall MSP Christina McKelvie was filmed checking out StreetInk Tattoo Club – a new addition to Hamilton town centre – before popping into Esme Anne Children’s Boutique and Mavrix Bar.
At The Music Centre, Malcolm played the guitar for Central Scotland MSP Meghan Gallacher, who is also a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Towns and Town Centres.
And fellow Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon joined him in some ironing at Cadzow Laundry, before getting treated to a massage at Hollie Jack’s Holistic Centre.
Scotland Loves Local Week, which ended on Sunday (Sept 3), featured events and activities across the country to highlight the critical difference that choosing local makes to communities – protecting jobs and ensuring firm foundations for a stronger future.
Malcolm said: “The MSPs were great sports in joining in some fun to showcase the incredible difference that people can make by choosing local and supporting the rich array of businesses we have in the town. We were delighted with the response to our videos.
“It was a great opportunity for them to spend time with some of our businesses, finding out more about the people behind them and the amazing work they do, whilst having a bit of fun as well.
“It is so important to the future of Hamilton that we all support our local businesses, keeping our town vibrant and letting us work towards a successful future.”
Scotland Loves Local is led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) with support from the Scottish Government.
Polling commissioned as part of the special week of activities showed that almost eight-in-10 (78%) people in the Central Scotland Scottish Parliament region agree it’s vital that they support businesses on their high street.
And 67% agreed that choosing local reduces unnecessary journeys and helps to tackle the climate crisis.
As part of their BID tours, Christina McKelvie visited Street Ink Tattoo, Esme Anne Children’s Boutique, Mavrix Bar and Crichton Shoes.
Meghan Gallacher called into Hang On Climbing Centre, Apollo Blinds, Aspirare Recruitment and The Music Centre.
Monica Lennon stopped in at Hollie Jack’s Holistic Centre, Paul’s Baby Shop, Nelson Family Jeweller and Cadzow Laundry.
Find out more about Hamilton Our Town Business Improvement District here
