A Lanarkshire MSP is urging her constituents to shop local this winter to help small businesses facing many challenges.
It comes on the back of Small Business Saturday which was celebrated on Saturday, December 3.
Clydesdale MSP Máiri McAllan stressed that "there has never been a more important time to shop local whenever you can" in highlighting the pressures facing small businesses trying to recover from the pandemic, tackle the challenges of Brexit and meet the cost of living pressures.
The SNP politician marked the event by attending the Discover Lanark 'Made in Lanark' Festive Market on Saturday.
And she is now encouraging people across Clydesdale to play their part in helping the local economy.
Máiri told Lanarkshire Live : “Shopping locally is a simple way for individuals to play a part in supporting their local businesses and economies – these businesses provide jobs in Clydesdale and play a significant role in making our community so vibrant.
“Truth be told, there has never been a more important time to shop local whenever you can as businesses are still recovering from the pandemic and facing the challenges of the UK Government’s Brexit obsession and the pressures of the rising bills we are all seeing.
“The SNP government is helping our businesses recover as much as it can but we can all play our part individually too, by visiting our local cafes, shops, bars, salons, restaurants and the many more businesses we are lucky to have in Clydesdale.
“Small, local businesses make a big difference to our communities and local economy so I encourage everyone to get involved this Small Business Saturday and the future.”
In recent weeks Clydesdale towns have received a welcome boost thanks to a number of Christmas events.
The annual Christmas lights switch-on event in Lanark proved to be a huge success after it returned to its former glory following scaled-back occasions during the pandemic.
Thousands of locals and visitors alike flocked to the town to enjoy the festive markets and entertainment which made a positive impact to footfall in the town centre.
A week later, Lanark opened it's highly-anticipated Winter Wonderland which will now be on display during the festive period.
You can find out more about Lanark's Christmas events here.
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