Anas Sarwar shows support for Scotland Loves Local in Glasgow

Scotland Loves Local Week 2024: Scottish Labour leader meets Glasgow West End gift shop owner who also chairs Business Improvement District.

Article Source: Scotland Loves Local
Last Updated: 30 August 2024 14:00

Image: Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar and Scotland’s Towns Partnership Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie, centre, with the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, flanked by Glasgow North MP Martin Rhodes and Labour’s Shadow Economy Secretary Daniel Johnson MSP

Scottish Labour Party Leader Anas Sarwar has added his voice to the rallying cry urging Scots to choose local.

The Glasgow MSP discussed the importance of supporting local businesses to help communities thrive as he called into a gift shop in the city.

His visit to Janet and John, in De Courcy’s Arcade, is part of Scotland Loves Local Week, seven days of action (August 26 - September 1) focussing on work taking place to reimagine communities and rallying people to boost the economy by spending with local businesses.

Accompanied by Daniel Johnson, his party’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Business and Fair Work, and Glasgow North MP Martin Rhodes, he met John Turner, who owns the business alongside wife Janet as well as chairing Visit West End, the Byres Road and Lanes Business Improvement District (BID).

Mr Sarwar also signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, a commitment to supporting local businesses whenever it is possible to do so, as well as visiting other businesses in the arcade.

And the politicians were updated on Scotland Loves Local’s wider mission by Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation behind it.

Speaking during his visit, Anas Sarwar said: “To have thriving communities, it’s absolutely crucial that people support local businesses, not just one week of the year, but all year.

“I’m keen to explore not only how we get more people supporting their high streets and town centres and spending locally, but how we use the power of government and council procurement to support local businesses because they are such a key part of employment, growth potential and living standards.”

Visit West End is a champion of local businesses as well as being behind a range of events attracting people to the area, including the upcoming Byres Road Book Festival, which takes place from September 26 to 29.

John Turner said: “Local businesses are at the heart of our communities. Byres Road and Lanes is a hive of small independent enterprises for whom the support of local people is absolutely critical. Our future - and the success of our community - really does depend upon the support we get from the people around us.

“It was great to have some time with Anas, Daniel and Martin to discuss that with them, to hear their support for what Scotland Loves Local Week is trying to achieve, as well as raising the opportunities and some of the issues we face.”

STP leads the Scotland Loves Local initiative as a means to boost local economies and improve places by galvanising support for the people and businesses in them.

Kimberley Guthrie said: “Scotland Loves Local Week is a celebration of local excellence and it is fantastic that we’re welcoming politicians into businesses, social enterprises and community-led organisations to showcase the great spirit of entrepreneurialism and innovation we have here in Scotland. We are grateful for the support.

“The simple act of choosing local has a profound effect, laying the foundations of a new future for towns and neighbourhoods as we seize and create opportunities to make them stronger and more sustainable.”

You can sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge by going to www.lovelocal.scot/pledge

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Beatson Cancer Charity Ambassadog Baxter leads the way at Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that our Ambassadog, Baxter, will be taking part in this year's Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

From The Gannet to Eleven Fifty Five: Peter McKenna announces new Argyle Street restaurant

Peter McKenna, chef-owner of The Gannet in Glasgow, along with Kevin Dow, are set to open a new restaurant, Eleven Fifty Five, in its place in Finnieston early next year.

Glasgow Fort to welcome new Mexican restaurant this week

Mezcal, the lively Mexican street-food restaurant, is set to open its doors at Glasgow Fort on Wednesday 26th November, bringing even more choice for visitors ahead of the festive period.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time returns to Glasgow in March 2027

A brand-new staging of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time based on the internationally celebrated novel comes to Glasgow's Theatre Royal in March 2027!

MINISO is coming to Buchanan Street... get ready to explore!

Global lifestyle sensation MINISO is set to bring its signature blend of joy, creativity, and affordable design to Buchanan Street, with a brand-new store opening on 26th November!

Black Friday Savings at Buchanan Galleries

Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is abuzz with Black Friday deals, offering shoppers incredible discounts across a wide range of products – from fashion and footwear to jewellery, beauty, and homeware.

The Maclean Brothers row onto Celtic Connections bill as new wave of shows announced

The Maclean Brothers are among a wave of exciting new names to join the world-renowned Celtic Connections bill, it has been announced.

BBC CBeebies starts the panto season at Glasgow cinemas

The CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Glasgow from Friday 21st November.

The Pavilion Theatre is taking part in the largest Black Friday Theatre Sale in the UK

As part of Trafalgar Entertainment, customers can now access some of the best theatre ticket deals for shows at the Pavilion Theatre as well as unmissable productions in the West End.

BBC ALBA Hogmanay Ceilidh to broadcast live from Glasgow

BBC ALBA will bring together some of Gaelic music's biggest names as Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire returns to Glasgow to celebrate Hogmanay and usher in 2026.

Cast Announced for Flora, a new musical coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow

The full cast has been revealed for Flora which sees one of Scotland's most famous daughters, Flora MacDonald, take centre stage to tell her own tale!

Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts

Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.

Innis & Gunn to open the biggest festive beer hall in Glasgow at Winter Wonderland on The Green

Glasgow is getting its largest-ever Christmas beer hall, and it’s all down to award-winning brewer Innis & Gunn.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

Glaswegians invited to Panto Town as Glasgow 850 finishes with festive flourish

Glaswegians are being urged to embrace the unique spirit of the city's pantomimes with the launch of Get You in Panto Town!

Buchanan Galleries celebrates the season of giving with festive family fun

The magic of Christmas has arrived at Buchanan Galleries, with a heartwarming line-up of festive activities taking place throughout November and December.

Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet

Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Glasgow's Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.

Hoolie in the Hydro opens doors to young Gaels for Glasgow 850

More than 1,300 Glasgow schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to access live music as part of a special tie-up between Hoolie in the Hydro and Glasgow 850.

ASN sessions to be held at Winter Wonderland Glasgow Green

Dedicated ASN sessions are to be hosted at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green to enable families in need of support to have a festive day out.

77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts awarded with highest honour given to volunteer led groups

The 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts has been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for volunteer-led groups in the UK.

Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes

Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.