Shop locally to support Kintyre economy

Argyll and Bute Council is urging people to shop locally as businesses begin to reopen as the coronavirus lockdown is eased.

Councillor Alastair Redman, policy lead for economic growth, is behind calls for residents to shop locally at every opportunity and make the most of locally sourced produce to help kick-start the local economy.

He said: ‘Post Covid-19, we should support our local businesses as they have supported us during the pandemic.

‘With lockdown in place, our food and drink producers had to change the way they did business – often in imaginative ways. Hot food businesses made a shift towards delivery to customers.

‘Some businesses have set up new digital platforms to allow customers to order online, while others have provided food to front-line workers and people who are considered to be vulnerable. It was also good to see that some of our local whisky and gin producers started to manufacture and distribute hand sanitisers when it ran out in shops.

‘This is community spirit at its very best. It is my sincere hope that as consumers we choose to benefit from the quality of food and excellence of service we get from our local shops as the country moves into recovery.’

Many communities have started ‘grow your own’ initiatives, such as community gardens, which have provided local residents with fresh produce during the pandemic.

This is supported by the council’s Community Food Growing Strategy that was recently approved by the council. For more details, visit the council’s website.