Scottish Government invests £250k taking local gift card scheme digital

Scotland Loves Local cards will soon be available on your digital wallet

The scheme is used by more than 20 councilsAuthor: Alice FaulknerPublished 15 minutes ago

The Scottish Government is urging shoppers to think of our high streets first, as Scotland Loves Local (SLL) gift cards go digital. The scheme, which aims to boost trade in town and city centres, was introduced after the pandemic to help small businesses recover. The cards can be loaded with credit and used in participating shops and businesses within users’ local council area.

Now the Scottish Government is investing GBP250,000 to enable the cards to operate digitally via devices such as mobile phones. By going digital, the cards can be used by businesses to reward loyal customers and encourage repeat custom. The new system may also be made compatible with transport providers’ ticketing systems, allowing relatives or businesses to gift train and bus fares into town centres for shopping trips.

Cards are currently utilised by more than 20 councils – including six which have used them to distribute more than GBP13 million of Scottish Government Coronavirus (Covid-19) economic recovery funding to lower-income households.

‘A step forward’

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “Going digital is an important step forward for the SLL gift card. “The scheme has already delivered millions of pounds of extra spending to help businesses recover from the pandemic and by increasing their useability I am sure even more people will be encouraged to shop locally. “The cards have made a real difference in places like Glasgow, where thousands of cards have been used to access Scottish Government funding for economic recovery.

“They represent a step towards the creation of local currencies to be invested and retained within areas. Digitalisation will accelerate that process and help support fairer and more prosperous local economies.”

Circular economy

Social Blend cafe is just one of the businesses across Barrhead which accepts the SLL cards. It is a social enterprise which works with young people who have disabilities and additional support needs to offer employment and training in hospitality.

Founder Paul McIlvenny said the SLL scheme has already made a big impact: “I think it’s great that people are encouraged to shop local. “They can come in, spend their money locally and keep it here in terms of a circular economy. “But it’s not just the businesses that benefit – it’s hugely important for shoppers in terms of the cost of living crisis right now.

“It means people don’t have to use their cash to travel to big shops or out-of-town complexes. “With the price of things rising, doubling and even trebling sometimes, I think it makes a big impact that they can come out and use these cards locally, and walk instead of spending money on travel.” Hear all the latest news from across Glasgow and the West on the hour, every hour, at Clyde 1.

Listen on FM, via our Radio Clyde app, on your DAB radio, online at Clyde1.com, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker.

Tags:

bargainmax listed on couponmatrix.ukdazn listed on couponmatrix.ukdomestika listed on couponmatrix.ukfootshop listed on couponmatrix.ukformula-one-autocentres listed on couponmatrix.uklacoste listed on couponmatrix.uk
bargainmax listed on couponmatrix.ukAllow BargainMax to keep your kids entertained for less with its unbeatable range of awesome yet affordable toys, games and playsets! Reach for a Bargain Max discount code from us to banish boredom from raising its head without breaking the bank. From action figures and arts supplies to construction toys and crafts, you’ll find something to suit all tastes in the BargainMax range - look out for your favourite TV and film characters too!
dazn listed on couponmatrix.ukNever miss a tackle or a touchdown with the sports streaming service DAZN. From boxing and wrestling to football and sailing, DAZN is like Netflix for sports! Your DAZN subscription unlocks hundreds of hours of content, allowing you to follow competitions like the NFL and Rugby Union live and on-demand. If you’re looking for an affordable method to watch international sports games and boxing matches from the archive featuring Mayweather and Saunders, get your DAZN discount from Groupon, and you’re good to go!
domestika listed on couponmatrix.ukThere’s no limit on learning at Domestika, the course-filled community for all things creative. Offering classes on everything from architecture to fashion, with dedicated courses for beginner through to expert, everyone is free to learn something for less with the latest Domestika discount code at Groupon. You never know if you’re good at something until you try, so let Domestika teach you something new and help discover your true potential.
footshop listed on couponmatrix.ukKeep your feet in tip-top condition with a welcome break at Footstop, your local podiatrist and chiropodist. As experts in treating feet conditions, you can treat everything from a verruca to an ingrown toenail for a fraction of the price with the latest Footstop discount code from Groupon. There’s nothing quite as annoying as walking on a damaged foot, so address the problem at the first available opportunity with a treatment from Footstop today. We all know that sometimes life gets in the way of our scheduled routine, with the folks at Footstop being no exception. That’s why you won’t have to pay for an appointment you can’t make, provided you give at least 24 hours’ notice. Also, anyone working with a shoestring budget can opt to book a treatment with a foot health practitioner instead of a podiatrist, which – though less extensively qualified – can save you 10% of your booking price. Gradual wear and tear can happen to everything, with your feet being no exception. That’s why we’d recommend getting a routine chiropody treatment, available for less with the latest Footshop vouchers. Each check-up will see one of Footstop’s experts removing any hard or soft skin from your feet, whilst also touching up your nails for good measure. Keeping a strong stride is far easier with a little professional help, so ensure you’ve given yourself the treatment your two feet deserve at Footstop.
formula-one-autocentres listed on couponmatrix.ukFor millions of people, a working vehicle is essential to their everyday life and the idea of your car being off the road – even for a short time – would be a disaster! Thankfully, with your F1 Autocentres voucher code, you can find everything you need to keep your car running smoothly for a price you won’t mind paying. From MOTs to new tyres, brake checks to bodywork, you’ll be back on the road in no time with F1 Autocentres.
lacoste listed on couponmatrix.ukEveryone knows Lacoste for their famous crocodile logo polo shirts, but there's much more to the company than that. Started in 1933 by French tennis legend Rene Lacoste, known as “The Alligator” for his tenacious style of play, they pioneered what is now known as the preppy look, offering high end clothes for the tennis court, golf course and for wearing out too. So, channel your inner preppy and check out the range of timeless, elegant fashion and with the Lacoste promo code you’ll be able to pick classic French style for the best price.