Residents and businesses encouraged to think local first

Businesses in Lanark are being encouraged to step up support for each other - by buying local whenever they can.

Discover Lanark Business Improvement District has signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, a promise that its members will think local first.

And they are encouraging other businesses to follow their lead - as well as issuing a rallying cry for residents to do the same at home too.

The statement of intent has been made ahead of Scotland Loves Local Week, seven days of national activity highlighting the work taking place to make communities fit for the future, underpinned by critical local support.

And its importance has been highlighted by Douglas MacMillan, the vice-chair of Discover Lanark.

His family has run Jacks the Ironmongers, in Hyndford Place, since 1985 - with the business in existence for at least 100 years before that.

Mr MacMillan said: “If local businesses don’t receive support from their community, they won’t last long. It’s crucial for residents to back the town’s businesses to ensure their survival and growth.

“Fortunately, the Lanark community is very supportive of eachother. We need that not just to continue but actually to increase.

“I believe a successful business community is crucial to the health and development of the town overall, allowing Lanark to flourish.”

Local authorities, businesses and individuals across the country are being urged to sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge.

It states: “We will choose local, prioritising the people and businesses around us at every opportunity.”

Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) spearheads Scotland Loves Local with support from the Scottish Government.

Chief officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “We are delighted to see Discover Lanark sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge and publicly demonstrate its commitment to supporting other local businesses.

“The improvement district is a force for good in its own right. But making that commitment to support other businesses shows how its benefits are far-reaching beyond its physical boundaries.

“At the same time, it’s important that residents support local businesses so that they can support each other. It’s a cycle that keeps money local for longer and opens so many opportunities.”

Discover Lanark plays a key role in galvanising support for businesses, with events and initiatives which encourage residents and visitors to the town.

Its recent Jurassic Lanark event attracted thousands of people - with more than 80% of visitors surveyed saying they had something to eat or drink while in Lanark, with 46% visiting at least one local shop.

Scotland Loves Local Week, which takes place from August 26th until September 1st, highlights the critical difference that choosing local makes to building stronger, more sustainable, communities.

People are being invited to share images and details of great businesses and organisations that make their home area so special, using the hashtags #ScotlandLovesLocal and #ChooseLocal.

Find out how you can get involved by going to www.lovelocal.scot or emailing info@lovelocal.scot.