Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop, spoke in a Scottish Government debate on Wednesday (8th Dec) supporting the Scotland Loves Local Initiative, where she highlighted the community input of businesses and individuals across West Lothian.
Fiona said,
“Local businesses are the beating heart of our communities and of course their contribution to the local economy offers opportunity for regeneration, resilience and development.
“In Bathgate, where I started my own Christmas shopping at the weekend on Small Business Saturday, the Choose Bathgate Group had actively been promoting shopping locally. And I was particularly impressed to see the Phoenix Health and Wellbeing Centre championing other businesses, encouraging shoppers to explore their high streets and support each other.
“I also visited Whitburn South Church Hall craft fair, which brought local businesses and individuals together to sell their goods.”
Fiona also acknowledged the Green Action Trust in Broxburn and the Broxburn and Uphall Development Group both received £20,000 and £8000 funding respectively from the Scotland Loves Local Fund.
She continued,
“Both the Green Action Trust and the Broxburn and Uphall Development Group plan to create community green spaces with accessible paths and will promote not just positive physical health, but positive mental health too, creating a sense of connection among local people whilst also building on efforts to create 20-minute neighbourhoods.
“The Scottish Government’s Love Local Initiative highlights the importance of choosing local and promoting community wealth, but a thriving town centre depends on its people.
“Our local businesses suffered under lockdown because they closed to keep us safe. We must now in turn keep them safe. We must ensure they thrive. And we must do this by coming together as a community and continuing to shop local.”
ENDS
Notes:
Link to the official report of the speech: http://archive2021.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=13459&mode=pdf