Loving the local scene
Cash support is being offered to local businesses affected by the pandemic though a new Scottish Government initiative and organisers hope to help improve and promote the advantages of local living too.
A £5000 grant from the new Scotland Loves Local campaign has been matched by Clyde Gateway and will be used to help businesses in the town recover from the impact of Covid-19.
Scotland Loves Local supports initiatives in cities and towns across the country and in Rutherglen, it will be used to encourage local residents to shop, eat, exercise and relax in their community while also promoting local places to visit and enjoy.
Along with the funding boost for Rutherglen, nearby Bridgeton will also receive a £5000 grant from the fund, which again, will be matched by Clyde Gateway.
The funding will bring the Government’s ‘20-minute neighbourhood’ ambition across the two communities to life through the established and well supported ‘Love Local’ marketing campaign.
Rutherglen is a town that wants to connect residents and local businesses to each other and a place where everyone can thrive without having to use a car.
Organisers say that ‘Love Local’ aims to demonstrate to Rutherglen residents that it is easy and accessible to meet most of their everyday needs within a convenient, pleasant 20 minute return walk.
They say there are huge benefits from adopting the ‘20-minute neighbourhood’ approach – people become more active, mental and physical health improves, traffic reduces, air quality improves, local shops and businesses thrive and people see more of their neighbours, which strengthens community bonds.
Alison Brown, senior manager at Clyde Gateway, explained the thinking behind the initiative, which is also seeing signs being installed throughout Rutherglen in support of the idea.
She said: “This is great news for Rutherglen and the wider Clyde Gateway area, including Bridgeton – this funding will allow us to promote both towns as ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’ which we hope will enable residents to live, learn and meet their needs all within a 20-minute walk of their home.
“We want to create an environment in Clyde Gateway which helps local people adapt to the changes ahead after the pandemic and to succeed and flourish locally.”