A SCOTTISH television presenter has shone a light on local businesses in Paisley as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.
STV’s weatherman Sean Batty returned to his home town to highlight some of the hidden gems in the area.
The presenter, who is leading the “rallying cry” for residents to choose local and get behind businesses in the town, met with business owners to learn about the importance of spending local as part of a new promotional video.
Sean said: “I’ve loved the chance to shout about some of the things which make the town so special, showcasing some pretty remarkable businesses, and the people behind them.
“There’s so much going on that makes us positive about the future. Tens of millions of pounds is being invested in major regeneration projects which will have a big part to play in that.
“But, underpinning so much of what can be achieved is the support of people who choose local, whether they’re shopping, meeting friends, or enjoying a family day out.
“We want a bright future for town centres. We found out from businesses in Paisley why it’s so important that people shop locally, spend money locally, support local businesses and – most importantly – the local people who run them.”
The weatherman is currently working alongside Scotland’s Town Partnership (STP) on a series of new videos.
Each of them will highlight ways in which people can get behind local businesses.
During the visit, Sean spoke with members of Paisley First Business Improvement District about the “life-improving” impact of choosing local.
Clemency Dowling of With Love Flowers, on Causeyside Street, is one of those Sean spoke to.
She said: “It’s crucial that local people come in and support us. This is our livelihood. Without them we wouldn’t be there.”
While Caroline Sweeney, who co-founded the enterprise, said: “Businesses need the community to come and support us. It’s the absolute bread and butter for us. If we don’t have that support, sadly businesses can’t stay open.”
The importance of local support towards businesses was also highlighted through Houston’s Traditional Kiltmakers.
Ewan MacDonald’s family have been running the high street shop since 1909.
He said: “We’ve grown up here and would never move. We’ll always be Paisley Buddies. We’re still going strong after 114 years.
Elaine Templeton, Vice-Chair of Paisley First, said: “Around 70 pence in every pound in Paisley goes back into the local economy if you shop locally.
“Our local businesses are the heartbeat of our town centre so please support them and put Paisley first when it comes to shopping and socialising.”
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