A BID to encourage people in West Dunbartonshire to spend their money locally to help the economy bounce back from Covid is up for a national award.

Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerice has been shortlisted in the Scotland Loves Local Awards for its efforts to deliver a campaign to recognise local businesses in Clydebank, Dumbarton, Alexandria and Balloch.

The campaign, which has already been highlighted as an example of best practice, has been encouraging people to “choose local”, shop local and back businesses and services in their community.

Loves Local activity included the creation of seven new town centre websites, online business listings, 100,000 Loves Local brochures, advertising, PR and social media activity. 

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Loves Local campaign has been helping hundreds of Dunbartonshire businesses by encouraging local people to 'choose local' to support our local enterprises.

“People and businesses across West Dunbartonshire have been powerful advocates of the Scotland Loves Local campaign since its launch last summer so we were delighted to be chosen for the positive impact of our work.”

Winners of the awards, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) will be announced during an online event - presented by STV’s Sean Batty - to be broadcast via social media on Thursday, November 25.

The celebration will also be the culmination of the Scotland’s Towns Conference, a week-long showcase and celebration of innovation improving the nation’s towns and places.

Phil Prentice, STP’s chief officer, said recently: “The way in which the whole of Dunbartonshire has embraced the Scotland Loves Local campaign has been phenomenal. I am delighted that we have been able to share some of this great work, which has made a real difference.”