As part of this year’s Scotland Loves Local campaign, we're highlighting the important role of local businesses and asking people to use them instead of shopping online or further afield.

“Local businesses are crucial to our communities and to the economy,” said Provost Kenneth Duffy.

“They allow us to shop, eat, socialise and use services close to our home and work, as well as creating jobs and supporting other businesses.

“The owners and staff are also part of our communities, offering a friendly welcome and personal service to their customers.”

‘People Make Places’ is the theme of this year’s Scotland Loves Local campaign which aims to highlight the difference that can be made to friends, family and neighbours by getting behind local businesses of all kinds. It runs from 23 to 30 August.

Figures produced by the campaign show that if every person in Scotland spent just £1 more per week with a local business instead of online giants, it would generate an additional £285 million for local economies each year.

Scotland Loves Local is a Scottish Government-backed campaign spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership.