Business Improvement Districts across the country were at the forefront of the second Scotland Loves Local Week which ran from the 26th August to 1st September 2024.
The week shone a spotlight on the critical difference that choosing local can mean to the future of communities – as well as showcasing the tremendous work taking place across the country to build stronger and more sustainable places.
From town trails to business awards, to signalling their commitment to thinking local first by signing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, there was a tremendous amount of activity that helped to make Scotland Loves Local Week a real success.
Business Awards shine a light on local champions
Go Forth Stirling announced that their popular Stirling Business Awards will return for a third year, with the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday 27th 2025. The awards, which celebrate the unique range of independent retailers across the city, were launched during Scotland Loves Local Week. Read more about the awards here.
Paisley First used Scotland Loves Local Week to announce the winners of the inaugural Paisley Star Awards, which showcase businesses that make the town what it is. Paisley First were inundated with entries by members of the public and presented 12 awards with all the winners receiving a bespoke Love Paisley Star Award and certificate, designed and created by BID member Muir Media. Read more about the winners here.
Town Trails offer a real taste treat
The great tastes of three towns were celebrated as part of the drive encouraging more Scots to choose local.
Scotland’s Improvement Districts (SIDs) has joined forces with tech company Vicinity to launch town trails for Alloa, Kirkintiloch and Linlithgow.
Working with the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in each of the towns, they offer a new journey of discovery for perfect places to eat, drink and be entertained in each of the communities.
The trails have been launched as part of Scotland Loves Local Week, which champions the message for everyone to think local first and support businesses in their community.
Each are pilot projects to harness and showcase the rich menu of food, drink, leisure and hospitality businesses which are key ingredients in the recipe of success for towns. Read more here.
BIDs back the Scotland Loves Local Pledge
Business Improvement Districts highlighted their commitment to choosing local by signing up to the Scotland Loves Local Pledge.
The pledge is a commitment to thinking local first to help protect jobs, safeguard businesses and build a stronger, more sustainable future for communities across the country.
By signing up, BIDs highlighted their daily support for enterprises in their community, as well as signalling the fact that they will encourage their members to support other local businesses whenever it is possible for them to do so.
MSP and MP Connectors Programme
As part of Scotland Loves Local Week, BIDs hosted a number of important political visits to highlight the critical role local businesses play in ensuring our towns and places are fit for the future.
Scotland Loves Local Branded Markets
Hamilton Our Town rebranded their monthly local market to coincide with the Scotland Loves Local Week celebrations.
Their popular markets regularly attract 2000 extra visitors into the town centre, showcasing the wide range of local enterprises and services on offer.
