Call to back Scots high streets to ensure survival

More than half of Scots always support shops on their high street but the sector needs backing to survive the consequences of Covid-19, according to a report.

Entrepreneur Saeed Anwar, of Flowers By Arrangement in Alloa, who supports the campaign. Picture: McAteer Photograph.

The study was commissioned by the Scotland’s Towns Partnership collective – which says every pound spent locally flips six times in the area’s economy – for its Scotland Loves Local campaign. This encourages people to support local economies and fuel the financial fightback from Covid-19 from its grassroots.

It found that 56 per cent of people will always shop on their high street rather than going further afield, whenever they can, while 93 per cent believe there is a strong chance that many such firms will go bust without support.

The campaign is supported by the likes of the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland (FSB). Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chair, said: “We need decision-makers and the general public to provide custom and support for these vital enterprises.”

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