‘Shop local’ appeal as gift card launches
West Lothian shoppers are being encouraged to boost the local economy by supporting a new local gift card.
The Scotland Loves Local West Lothian Gift Cards are now available to buy, giving people the chance to show their support for businesses in their community and help to fuel the financial fightback from Covid-19.
With a number of West Lothian businesses already signed up to the local loyalty scheme, residents are now being urged to buy the cards, either to spend themselves or give as gifts to others.
By buying the gift cards, you are helping to increase footfall to local businesses, which protects employment and ensures our communities, town centres and local high streets prosper through the economic recovery.
Executive councillor for development and transport, Cathy Muldoon, was joined by One Linlithgow chairEvelyn Noble, chair of Broxburn and Uphall Traders’ Association Gordon Allan and Nairn Pearson from West Lothian Council to launch the scheme.
Councillor Muldoon said: “The Scotland Loves Local West Lothian Gift Card is a gift to the entire community – treating someone to the fantastic products, services and experiences on offer in our unique area.
“By businesses and local residents getting behind it, we will not only provide an immediate injection of cash, but build the foundations for a
stronger and vibrant future post Covid-19, while highlighting the many distinct and brilliant businesses we have here across West Lothian.”
The Scotland Loves Local West Lothian Gift Card scheme is supported by both West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government, and is managed by Scotland’s Towns Partnership using technology by Scottish card operator Miconex.
Research by The Gift Card and Voucher Association suggests that local gift card schemes have a huge multiplier effect, with up to an additional 65 per cent of the card’s value being spent as people visit other shops, hospitality venues or leisure attractions.
One Linlithgow chair, Evelyn Noble, said: “One Linlithgow are delighted to be supporting the West Lothian Gift Card.
“Small businesses are the
lifeblood of our town, and after these last 18 months or so of lockdowns and closed doors, now is the time to be supporting them to get back on their feet, be there for them, and think local.
“Gifting a West Lothian Gift Card is one of the many ways to support those high street businesses we love so much.”
Local businesses throughout all West Lothian towns and villages are encouraged to register their business free of charge for the scheme at https://lovelocal. scot/register-your-business/
It’s a simple, quick and straightforward two-step process and means your business can be listed in an online West Lothian directory when the scheme launches. To buy the gift cards, or see participating local retailers, visit www.scotlandgiftslocal.com and select the option for West Lothian.