Edinburgh shoppers must think local to help fuel Covid fightback

Shoppers in the Capital are being urged to think ‘local first’ to help businesses at the heart of their communities battle back from coronavirus.

Scotland Loves Local campaign

A rallying cry to support small, independent retailers and other enterprises close to home has gone out across the city as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.

Spearheaded by the Edinburgh-based Scotland’s Towns Partnership, in association with the Scottish Government, the initiative is seen as important in fuelling the nation’s financial recovery from the consequences of Covid-19 from its grassroots - and in the safest possible way.

It’s a message which is also being promoted across East and West Lothian, with the support of Business Improvement Districts and other organisations.

Phil Prentice, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “The impact shoppers can have by thinking local first, for whatever they need, should not be underestimated and we’ve had a fantastic response to the launch of the campaign. Across Edinburgh there are fantastic shops which are at the heart of their area, who offer unrivalled service.

“Many of them have gone above and beyond to help those around them during lockdown. It’s time for us to repay that dedication by showing them support at a time when they have never needed it more.”

Retailers have been working with Business Improvement Districts - including Essential Edinburgh and the West End BID - along with local authorities and others to put in place screens, distance markers and other arrangements which mean people can shop locally, but safely.

A key part of the campaign is highlighting that it’s the people behind the businesses - not simply the buildings - which make our high streets special. Mr Prentice said: “Scotland Loves Local is all about getting people back to their roots and recognising that our town centre businesses and the people who run them are part of the fabric of our communities.”

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