Shop local message pushed in Argyll and Bute

New posters and banners have been made available by Argyll and Bute Council to encourage residents to shop locally.

As part of the area’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the local authority has started initiatives to support town centre businesses.

Shopfront improvement grants are also available, while training and Google-accredited photography will also be made available to companies who need them.

Downloadable posters and social media graphics, tailored to different areas of Argyll and Bute, are available to download from the council’s website.

The projects have been funded by the Scottish Government, through the Town Centre Fund and from Scotland’s Towns Partnership.

Alastair Redman, the council’s policy lead for business, regeneration and commercial development, said: “The easing of lockdown restrictions is welcome news as many of our shops and local businesses reopen.

“After a challenging year, we need to give them as much support as possible to recover from the impact of the pandemic. They provide vital employment to our communities and are incredibly important for the local economy.

“Many businesses helped with the lockdown response and now is the time to show appreciation by helping them now by shopping local.”

Grants totalling more than £150,000 have been awarded for shopfront improvements and Helensburgh gym The Journey, in Colquhoun Square, is one business which has benefited.

Steve Losh, who owns the gym, said: “We believe the result of the project has helped revitalise the face of what is, an ‘iconic’ building, at the heart of the Helensburgh community.

“After many years of being empty, it now feels energetic and vibrant once again.

“The new signs above the windows works with the original architecture and hides some of the buildings sun/weathering and mounting damage from previous signage.

“The window signage design and colour scheme blends into the building’s colour scheme and fits the buildings classier persona. It is also non-destructive and can be easily replaced to maintain quality and finish over years of use.”