Show local loyalty with gift card

A rallying cry has been issued for residents of Perth and Kinross to show local loyalty this summer and back the region’s businesses.

The latest wave of the Scotland Loves Local campaign launched yesterday (July 5) with an aim to help the county’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

And this summer will see the rollout of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, which will give people another way in which to support businesses in their home region.

Businesses are being urged to sign up to accept the card ahead of shoppers being able to buy it.

Purchases are processed via the Mastercard network, with the initiative supported by the Scottish Government.

The campaign was first created last summer, supporting projects and groups across the region and is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP).

STP chief officer Phil Prentice said:“Across Perth and Kinross, the power of choosing local and supporting the region’s businesses should not be underestimated.

“As individuals, making the right choice has never been more important for our communities.

“As more options open up, we cannot afford to overlook the people and businesses who have been there when we needed them most during the pandemic.

“We need people to make a conscious decision to support those around them - whether for shopping, services, a meal with friends or a day out.

“By choosing local we will make a tremendous difference to the fabric and fortunes of our communities.

“If there is a positive which has come from the pandemic, it is the way that we have all embraced local life.

“We must enhance that during recovery so that we do not fall back into unsustainable habits of the past. The future of businesses and jobs around us depends upon it.”

The Choose Local message is being supported by a major marketing campaign in which local businesses and organisations are being urged to get involved.

Details about how to do so can be found at www. lovelocal.scot