A NEW gift card scheme for West Dunbartonshire could become the local currency in the area, a business chief says.

Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerice boss Damon Scott has backed the idea of a 'West Dunbartonshire Gift Card' to be used to boost the local economy in the region.

The new gift cards for Dunbartonshire are part of the national rollout of Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards for every region of the country, through the Scottish Government’s £10m of support for campaign.

Damon Scott said: “It is free for businesses to be a part of the West Dunbartonshire Gift Cards and we welcome businesses from all sectors to join, including retail, accommodation, hospitality, leisure and services.

"If we can build momentum and critical mass for West Dunbartonshire Gift Cards it could become an ultra-local and incredibly convenient way for local people to pay for goods and services and ensure that spend stays local.

“Initially the focus has been on encouraging our local communities to use it as a gift card for friends and family and there is still a huge opportunity for this around birthdays, Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas and other special occasions.

“It could even be used as a pocket-money card by the younger members of our community or as a replacement for petty cash for many businesses – we have already heard of businesses buying the card as staff reward too.”

The Scotland Loves Local campaign is a national initiative, led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, designed to encourage all those who live in Scotland to think local first and support their high streets.

The Chamber has been leading the Loves Local Campaign on a regional level across West Dunbartonshire, supporting hundreds of businesses by encouraging communities to choose local and shop local.

Phil Prentice, Scotland's Towns Partnership Chief Officer, said: "The Chamber and businesses across West Dunbartonshire have been fantastic champions of the Scotland Loves Local programme, encouraging people to get behind the businesses around them. We're delighted to see them fly the flag for the gift cards too.

"These are a great way of not just showing their support for businesses in their community, but driving spend into their local economy. It's a real force for good as we recover from the pandemic and lay the foundations for a stronger future."

To find out more information about the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, including how to sign up, visit lovelocal.scot/giftcard or contact the Chamber of Commerce at hello@loveslocal.co.uk or by phoning 0141 280 0335.