Dumbarton and the Vale's residents are being urged to continue their backing for local businesses this spring as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.

The national initiative is designed to encourage all those who live in Scotland to think local and support their high streets.

And Damon Scott, leader of the area's Loves Local campaign and chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, believes Dumbarton enterprises need local support more than ever.

He said: “Our local businesses continue to need the support of local people. Many are still working hard to recover from the impact of Covid and spending locally keeps that cash circulating in our local economies, creates jobs and is more environmentally-friendly.

“We have so many amazing businesses to choose from that I would always encourage anyone to look locally first. As well as those on our high streets we have a wonderful array of online, freelance and home-based businesses and a host of trades to meet most needs.”

The Loves Local team will be working hard at Easter and beyond to focus on some of the common themes at this time of year including Home Improvements, Garden & Outdoor as well as Days Out and Activities.

They will also continue to work to develop themes and activities that encourage ongoing interaction and engagement with shops, cafés and attractions amongst others.

Mr Scott added: “This is traditionally a time of year for new beginnings, spring cleans, home improvements and spending more time outside in the garden or further afield.

“There is also a fantastic variety of things to do across both East and West Dunbartonshire and we’ll be highlighting some of those opportunities too – from Cameron House, Loch Lomond Shores, the Sea Life Centre and Sweeney’s Cruises in and around Balloch - Loch Lomond, to the Denny Tank Museum and Dumbarton Castle and Bowling Harbour to Mugdock Park, the Roman Bath House to the Forth & Clyde Canal cycle routes.”

The Loves Local programme in Dunbartonshire will also see the print-led campaign that has been delivered in the other towns rolled out in Balloch with a town flyer being developed to promote local businesses and services.

For more information or to get involved in the Loves Local campaign get in touch by emailing hello@loveslocal.co.uk or calling 0141 280 0335.