Scots shoppers are being urged to put their local stores first as high streets reopen fully amid easing coronavirus restrictions today (Monday, April 26).
Scotland’s Towns Partnership Chief Officer Phil Prentice says it’s vital that the economic recovery from the pandemic grows from its grassroots.
He said: “We are encouraging everyone to think local first. By supporting your local businesses you will be helping the national recovery.
“The importance of today for those retail, hospitality and leisure businesses which have been unable to open since December cannot be underestimated. Their survival, however, depends on support. And the most critical support comes from their community. This is a chance to rediscover and celebrate all that’s on our doorstep.
“By supporting local businesses – whether when shopping or meeting friends – you are helping protect the jobs of those who live around you, safeguarding shops and services and making your community a better place to be.
“The road to recovery from coronavirus is going to be challenging. But we hope that today can signal the start of a summer of success, both in terms of beating the pandemic and for businesses bouncing back. Thinking local first – and safety first – will give the greatest chances of realising those hopes.”
Scotland’s Towns Partnership is the organisation behind the Scotland Loves Local campaign, which has led the charge for people to think local first and support the businesses around them – whether in person or online – throughout the pandemic.
It has been supported by towns and neighbourhoods across the country, many of which have developed their own hyperlocal campaigns.
For more details, go to www.lovelocal.scot.
People are being urged to follow Covid-19 safety guidance at all times.
