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

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Beatson Cancer Charity announces amazing total for Glasgow Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that the Glasgow Santa Dash 2025 has raised more than £100,000 to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.

University of Glasgow launches first Virtual Reality kiosk for Museums in the Metaverse

Imagine visiting a museum and being transported inside the glass cases, to virtually examine artefacts at astonishing proximity and from every possible angle. This is now reality.

Jock and the Beanstalk panto stars support Social Bite Festival of Kindness

Pavilion Panto stars headed to Social Bite's Festival of Kindness on Vinicombe Street to encourage Glaswegians to donate gifts and funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Full casting announced for Scottish premiere of Single White Female at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Full casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the Scottish premiere of Single White Female coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in June!

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Glasgow

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

A sweet partnership bringing locally produced, sustainable ice cream to the SEC in time for a packed winter events season

Equi’s Ice Cream, the award-winning Scottish, family-run ice cream maker, is announcing a major new partnership as the official ice cream supplier of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.

Teenage Cancer Trust units in Glasgow receive festive surprise from Aldi

Young people receiving cancer treatment in Glasgow have been treated to a surprise delivery of festive goodies from Aldi, helping them celebrate the holiday season away from home.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

Best burger in Scotland is now available in Glasgow for Christmas

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gives visitors a taste of the festive season with foodie highlights including Scotland's best burger!

Award winning Rickshaw & Co launches its festive menu in Glasgow

Rickshaw & Co has launched its festive menu, bringing bold Indian and Bangladeshi flavours to December in Partick.

From plate to print: Kirsty Wark celebrates artistic legacy of great aunt

Glasgow Print Studio is thrilled to announce the release of a new limited-edition print by journalist, TV presenter and writer Kirsty Wark as part of their Call & Response series.

The festive knockout you can not miss at Oran Mor!

This December, Glasgow's Oran Mor premieres Morag Fullarton's new theatre production, 'It's a Wonderful Life... Mostly'.

10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary

Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.

Glasgow Fort serves up a slice of Home Alone magic with year long cheese pizza competition

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with Leopardo Pizza to launch a Home Alone-inspired competition, giving shoppers the chance to win a year's supply of Kevin McCallister’s favourite cheese pizza.

Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK

Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper

Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.

The Tron Theatre announced new season for 2026

Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.

This weekend Glasgow shoppers can win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift

This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!

Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season

City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.

Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs

Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.

Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity

Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.

Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune

Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.

Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road

Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.

Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment

Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.