Shops, service providers and hospitality venues across East Dunbartonshire are being urged to give Santa a helping hand by signing up for the new Scotland Loves Local Gift Card programme.
The initiative, funded by Scottish Government, aims to encourage shoppers to spend in their local communities - helping to fuel the financial fightback from COVID-19.
By signing up to the free scheme, businesses will be able to accept the new Scotland Loves Local East Dunbartonshire Gift Card - boosting their income and helping the local economy.
Eligible enterprises include sectors such as:
- Retail / Shopping
- Food & Drink
- Health & Beauty
- Leisure & Attractions
- Accommodation
- Social enterprises and third sector (eg charity retail shops)
The nationwide initiative - which involves cards in a range of areas - is being delivered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation spearheading the Scotland Loves Local campaign, alongside Miconex.
The Council's Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee pledged support for the programme earlier this year.
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of the Council, said, "The gift card programme will build on the hard work already done by the Council and the local community in towns across East Dunbartonshire to support and promote local businesses as they continue to recover from the effects of COVID-19.
“I would encourage as many local businesses as possible to register to accept the gift cards. It's another way to encourage people to spend within East Dunbartonshire - helping to support jobs, employers and the economy.”
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council, added, "A number of outlets have already come forward and I hope many more follow suit. It's free to sign up to accept the gift cards and now is an ideal time in the run-up to Christmas. I hope local companies and shoppers will support the scheme."
Damon Scott, Chief Executive, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said, "We are really excited about the launch of the new Scotland Loves Local gift card after all the hard work to deliver the Loves Local campaign in Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, in partnership with Milngavie Business Improvement District. Our Loves Local team have been getting in touch with businesses to let them know more about the scheme that is fully funded by Scottish Towns Partnership on behalf of the Scottish Government and is supported locally by East Dunbartonshire Council.
"It is absolutely free for businesses to access to this fantastic resource that works in the same way as a store gift voucher. The big difference is that, as it is rolled out, it will be accepted by all of the businesses that sign up to participate in East Dunbartonshire - from local independents to big high street brands. We are encouraging any businesses that accept card payments to register."
To find out how to register your business to accept the card.
There are no registration costs and payments are processed as part of the Mastercard network.
Milngavie already has its own gift card scheme - organised by Milngavie Town Centre Business Improvement District and powered by Miconex - and the East Dunbartonshire Gift Card is intended to complement that scheme and will work in participating Milngavie shops.
STP Chief Officer Phil Prentice said, "The power of these gift cards is immense, potentially driving millions of pounds into Scotland’s economy. Every shopper can be part of this. These cards allow us to think local, choose local and - critically - spend local. They are a quick and easy way of showing our loyalty and locking money into each region’s economy, protecting jobs, and helping to make our communities stronger and more sustainable."