Scotland Loves Local gift cards, which help shoppers show their support for businesses in their community, are now available for consumers to buy.
The Scottish Government is funding the roll-out of the cards to encourage people across Scotland to choose to support local businesses, and in so doing, reignite regional economies and fuel the national financial recovery from the pandemic.
The programme, which is being delivered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), alongside Perth-based fintech Miconex, is the first scheme of its scale in the country.
STP Chief Officer, Phil Prentice, said: “The power of these gift cards is immense, potentially driving millions of pounds into Scotland’s economy. Every shopper can be part of this.
“These cards allow us to think local, choose local and – critically – spend local. They are a quick and easy way of showing our loyalty and locking money into each region’s economy, protecting jobs and helping to make our communities stronger and more sustainable.”
STP and Miconex are working with local authorities to launch the regional gift cards, with the first year of costs being met by the Scottish Government as part of its £10m support for Scotland Loves Local. There are no registration costs for businesses to be a part of their regional Scotland Loves Local Gift Card. Payments are processed as part of the Mastercard network.
