The attractive high street named Scotland's best for independent shops

It is one of Scotland’s most iconic city streets, packed with restaurants, cafes and bars and adorned with murals by Scottish artist Alasdair Gray.

Now Glasgow’s Byres Road has been named one of the top 10 high streets for independent shops in the UK.

The street, known for its network of lanes, including Ashton Lane, home to some of the city’s most-loved eateries, was ranked ninth in an analysis by credit card provider American Express.

The research identified St Mary’s Street in Stamford, Lincolnshire, as Britain’s top hotspot for independent shops, followed by Devonshire Street and Division Street in Sheffield, Yorkshire and Gloucester Road in Bristol.

No other Scottish streets featured on the list.

PA

In partnership with retail experts GlobalData, the firm identified the top high streets for independent shops through ranking factors such as the number of independent outlets, variety of business types, and vibrancy of the high street.

The list also took into consideration the number of Gen Z and Millennial independent business owners - aged between 18-43 - in each location, factoring in how these younger generations are investing in the future success of UK high streets. Across the top 10 hotspots, on average over a third of all business owners are in these age cohorts.

Dan Edelman, general manager of merchant services at American Express, said: “Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting local economies up and down the country, and it’s pleasing to now see their impact beyond the high street. Through our Shop Small campaign and support of Small Business Saturday we’re proud to be championing and shining a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant independent businesses who help our local communities thrive.”

Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday, said: “The nation’s 5.5 million small businesses bring incredible value to the UK’s economy, society and communities, and this research underlines the material impact they have in boosting local areas. On Small Business Saturday, and beyond, we are asking the nation to throw their arms around their favourite local small businesses and show them how much they mean to us all and the wider community. Public support is so vital for small businesses, particularly for the next generation of owners.”

Matt Piner, Research Director at GlobalData, said: “Independent shops bring something different to high streets, offering uniqueness and propositions that are finely tuned to the needs of their local communities. As younger generations of shoppers are attracted to their local high streets, so too are shop owners, with a new breed of Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs helping to keep them thriving.”