A major new scheme to support the transformation of towns and neighbourhoods across Scotland was launched recently with the support of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce.
Community Wealth Minister, Tom Arthur, was joined by representatives from Dunbartonshire Chamber and Milngavie Business Improvement District (BID) to announce the new £10m Scotland Loves Local Fund.
Dunbartonshire was chosen as an exemplar for the campaign which has been encouraging people to “choose local” and back businesses and services in their community.
Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive and Project Manager, Damon Scott, said:
“People and businesses across East and West Dunbartonshire have been powerful advocates of the Scotland Loves Local campaign since its launch last summer so we were delighted to be chosen as the location to launch the new scheme. We have been working closely with Milngavie BID who have been a fantastic partner promoting the Loves Local messages and activities in the town.
“The Loves Local campaign has been helping hundreds of Dunbartonshire businesses by encouraging local people to “Choose Local”, shop local, think local and support our local enterprises.”
Dunbartonshire Chamber instigated and led the Loves Local campaign in 6 locations to promote the ‘Choose Local’ message including Alexandria & The Vale of Leven, Balloch, Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Clydebank and Dumbarton.
Damon Scott added: “In practical terms each place now has a website with a business directory supported by social media, PR and advertising. A range of branded materials and 100,000 Loves Local flyers have been distributed door-to-door, and in the town centres, this activity has helped to further promote some of the wonderful local businesses we have registered with us. We are hopeful that this new fund will help us continue to build on the momentum we have built up and continue to help with the promotion of our town centres.”
Much of the Chamber’s activity has been supported by grants from an initial Scotland Loves Local Fund last year – the success of which is being built upon with this latest new multi-million pound, multi-year programme from the Scottish Government.
The Chamber has worked with both East and West Dunbartonshire Councils and Business Gateways, as well as in collaboration with Milngavie BID.
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “To support Scotland’s towns and neighbourhoods recover from the pandemic we are launching a new £10 million Scotland Loves Local Fund. This will provide 50% match funding for local projects between £5,000 and £25,000.
“This 100 day commitment of the Scottish Government reinforces our determination to support all of Scotland’s communities recover from the pandemic and will help strengthen the vital support being provided through the Scotland Loves Local marketing campaign and loyalty card scheme.”
Administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) it aims to bring new, suitable, creative projects and activity to towns and neighbourhoods – helping build local wealth and increase footfall and activity, while supporting local enterprise partnerships.
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by STP with support from the Scottish Government.
Phil Prentice, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “The way in which the whole of Dunbartonshire has embraced the Scotland Loves Local campaign has been phenomenal. I am delighted that we have been able to share some of this great work, which has made a real difference, with the Minister.
“The new Scotland Loves Local Fund will allow us to take the activity such as that we have seen in Dunbartonshire to another level, empowering communities to take action that will make their areas fairer, greener and more successful. We are delighted to be working with ministers to deliver this.
More details about the Scotland
Loves Local campaign can be found at
www.lovelocal.scot.
