Local Outcome 1: Scotland Loves Local Fund
The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card programme was launched in late 2021 to encourage shoppers to spend money at businesses based in their local communities
Funded by the Scottish Government, it aims to support local businesses, many of whom were still feeling the financial implications of the pandemic, and help people to see what is on offer nearby.
Retail, service providers and hospitality businesses can all sign up for the scheme.
In East Dunbartonshire there are four town centres – Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch and Milngavie – as well as other great shops and hospitality venues throughout the villages.
Businesses sign up to be part of the programme meaning people can buy, or give the cards as presents to loved ones, knowing the list of local companies involved.
Ann Davie, Depute Chief Executive said, “The pandemic hit businesses hard and many are still feeling the impact now. The Scotland Loves Local gift card programme is practical help to encourage people to support the local economy.
“Our shops, service providers and hospitality venues all provide a fantastic service to our communities and by buying or gifting one of these cards we’re showing we care about our local businesses.
By shopping locally we are helping to protect jobs, contributing to the local economy, and helping to make our town centres and communities strong and sustainable.
Almost 100 East Dunbartonshire businesses have already signed up and others can still do so. Signing up to accept the card is free and can be completed via the Loves local website.
Milngavie has its own gift card scheme - organised by Milngavie BID and powered by Miconex. The East Dunbartonshire Gift Card is intended to complement the Scotland Loves Local scheme and will work in participating Milngavie shops. You can find out more by visiting Milngavie gift card website.
Damon Scott, Chief Executive, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, added, "A lot of hard work has taken place to deliver the Loves Local campaign in Bearsden, Bishopbriggs and in partnership with Milngavie BID. The gift card scheme is another innovative idea and is now the central focus of our Loves Local activity to encourage as many businesses and shoppers to support it as much as possible."
The broader Loves Local shop local campaign – led by the Chamber and supported by Milngavie BID and the Council – promoted hundreds of businesses, which saw it included in the Scottish Government Retail Strategy as a best practice case study and shortlisted for a Scotland Loves Local Award.
The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card programme is being delivered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership - the organisation spearheading the Scotland Loves Local campaign nationally - alongside Miconex.