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‘Choose local’ rallying call to residents and visitors in St Andrews

  • bidstandrews
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read


Businesses within the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) are encouraging both residents and visitors to spend locally ahead of this year’s Scotland Loves Local Week, which starts on Saturday (June 13).


Business owners backing the call include Samantha Winder from MacTatties, which celebrated its first anniversary today, although the family has been prominent within the town’s hospitality industry for nearly 44 years.


Samantha said, “During our long journey, St Andrews, the town and the people that we are proud and privileged to serve, have evolved and changed over time. What is important to us as a small family business is that we try to be fiercely independent.

“Our customers tell us that they prefer individual operators. We like to be flexible with our menu choices, often adding customer ideas and positive feedback, from a weekly special to a permanent place on our boards.


“What is making life challenging for small businesses, and doesn't seem to end, is the current system of business rates, 20% VAT, and the increase in NI. Along with energy costs, these make it a powerful mix of reasons not to carry on.

“But as a long-established family-led business, somehow St Andrews, our loyal customers and new friends keep us focused and determined to carry on and remain optimistic for the future.”


Georgia Heggie, manager of BID St Andrews, added, “Our local businesses are a huge part of what makes St Andrews such a special place. Scotland Loves Local Week is a chance to celebrate them and everything they bring to our town.

“Behind every shop, café, restaurant and local service are people who care deeply about St Andrews and work hard every day. At a time when many businesses are facing rising costs and ongoing challenges, choosing to shop, eat and spend locally is one of the simplest ways we can support them. Even small decisions can make a real difference and help sustain the businesses that give our town its character."


As the nation unites with pride to cheer on Scotland in the World Cup, communities across the country are also sharing their pride in local businesses - using a summer of sport to increase their support for local shops, services and attractions all year round.

The week is being led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads Scotland Loves Local.


Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “BID St Andrews does a great job in supporting the town’s business community, really strengthening the local economy. It’s fantastic to see them flying the flag for Scotland Loves Local Week.

“Choosing local is a simple step that we can all take which makes a tremendous difference to the places we call home. Every penny spent is an investment in the future of your community.”


Scotland Loves Local is a drive to help people build stronger, more sustainable futures for their communities by supporting local businesses, potentially injecting millions of pounds into regional economies.


It is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation that champions the critical role towns and local neighbourhoods play in creating a stronger, fairer, wealthier Scotland, with support from the Scottish Government.



 
 
 

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