Moffat backs local message

RESIDENTS are being urged to fly the flag for businesses across the area as part of Scotland Loves Local Week, which starts tomorrow.

Business owners and community organisations are among those backing the rallying cry - helping to safeguard enterprises, protect jobs and give places a platform to flourish.

Moffat Promotions Group (MPG) is among the organisations supporting the week’s theme of Flying The Flag for Local Businesses.

Member Idy Davidson, who has lived in Moffat for 45 years and is a well known community stalwart, had a rallying cry for others.

She said: “It’s so important that people support local businesses and events. We’re so lucky to have strong support in Moffat - and it’s that support which helps keep local businesses alive.”

Artist and entrepreneur Linnhe Cringean, one of the team behind Well Street gift shop 17 Reasons, was celebrated as a High Street Hero in the 2024 Scotland Loves Local Awards.

She added: “It’s critical that people who live locally shop locally as well. We’re really fortunate here that there are always new businesses opening in the town, with lots of groups working really hard to support each other.”

Fellow volunteer Karen Braithwaite, who owns The Bothy, Auchencastle, believes it important that people discover and embrace what’s on their doorstep.

Said Karen: “With fuel prices as they are, we are expecting a lot of staycations this year, which we hope will give the local economy a real boost.

“Hopefully people will be encouraged to spend more time in the region and enjoy all that we have here.”

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

Last year STP estimated that an additional £7.5m-a-year could be driven directly into Dumfries and Galloway’s economy if everyone in the region spent just £1-a-week more with local businesses.

Chief officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “It is easy to underestimate the impact of local people supporting local businesses, and local businesses supporting one another. Yet every one of us can play a remarkable role in driving community wealth and building stronger, more resilient communities simply by choosing to do so.”

n Throughout next week, people are being urged to celebrate their favourite local businesses by posting on social media using the hashtag #ScotlandLovesLocal.