A NEW scheme to support the transformation of towns and neighbourhoods across Scotland was launched last week with the support of the Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce.

Tom Arthur, community wealth minister, was joined by representatives from Dunbartonshire Chamber and Milngavie Improvement District (BID) to announce the new £10million Scotland Loves Local Fund.

Damon Scott, chief executive and project manager of the local chamber, said: “People and businesses across East and West Dunbartonshire have been powerful advocates of the Scotland Loves Local campaign since its launch last summer so we were delighted to be chosen as the location to launch the new scheme.

“We have been working closely with Milngavie BID who have been a fantastic partner promoting the Loves Local messages and activities in the town.

“The Loves Local campaign has been helping hundreds of Dunbartonshire businesses by encouraging local people to ‘choose local’, shop local, think local and support our local enterprises.”

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton MSP, added: “The new Scotland Loves Local Gift Card programme is great news for businesses across Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and Lomond.

“The Gift Card holds the power to drive significant spending locally – helping secure jobs and build a more sustainable, vibrant future for communities and people across the region.

“I encourage all businesses across our community to sign up to receive payments via the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card.

“Signing up is quick, simple, and free – and will allow people across the region to show their support for all that their local businesses have done for them since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This could be a game-changer in driving the region’s recovery.”

More details about the Scotland Loves Local campaign can be found at lovelocal.scot.