Argyll and Bute Council is encouraging people to boost the economy by choosing local and supporting businesses the length and breadth of the area, from our mainland towns and villages to our island communities.
It is among the organisations calling on everyone to demonstrate their pride in place by championing local businesses as part of Scotland Loves Local Week (June 13-20), organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership.
Across the country, people, businesses and organisations of all kinds are highlighting the transformational impact that people can make by choosing local. From shopping locally or using a local service to promoting your favourite business on social media. Please use the hashtags #ScotlandLovesLocal, #ChooseLocal and #FlyingtheFlagforLocal to get involved. By supporting local, we are choosing to back local businesses and the people behind them.
The activity is taking place as the country rallies behind Scotland in the World Cup, and national pride is especially high.
Councillor Math Campbell Sturgess, Policy Lead for Business Development, said: “Local businesses drive our local economy and provide our communities with the day-to-day goods and services they need. In Argyll and Bute, small and micro scale businesses account for the vast majority of businesses. These local businesses are often run by our friends, neighbours and families and by supporting them we make our communities stronger, wealthier and look after our own.”
The call to action nationally is led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “Every time we support a local business of every kind, we lock more money into the local economy and build community wealth. Choosing local is a simple act, which has a transformational impact. It’s one we can all take to build better, stronger, communities.”
Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds into regional economies. It is spearheaded by STP with support from the Scottish Government.
Alongside Scotland Loves Local Week, STP is also seeking nominations for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – celebrating the people, places and projects helping communities across Scotland thrive. As well as the Scotland’s Town of the Year and Innovation in Place awards, eight High Street Hero Awards will be presented to individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond to support and strengthen their local town centre, high street or neighbourhood economy. Nominations can be made at https://lovelocal.scot/awards-2026/ until 14 August 2026.
