Moray Council has thrown its full support behind Scotland Loves Local Week 2025, a national push to celebrate and strengthen local businesses. The event runs from August 23 to 30, urging residents to shop, eat, and spend locally to keep communities thriving.
Campaign Highlights and Goals
Scotland Loves Local Week, led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, focuses on the theme “People Make Places” this year. It spotlights the individuals who run shops, cafes, and services that form the backbone of towns across the country.
The campaign comes at a key time, with recent data showing that local spending in Scotland rose by 12 percent in the past year, according to economic reports. This boost helps protect jobs and fuels community growth. In Moray, the week aims to build on that trend by encouraging people to choose nearby options over online or distant alternatives.
Events include social media spotlights on standout businesses, shared through the Moray Gift Card Facebook page. These stories will show real impacts, like how a local cafe owner supports families or how a shop keeps traditions alive.
Moray Council Leader Kathleen Robertson stressed the importance. She noted that local firms are vital for the economy, creating jobs and vibrant spaces. The week serves as a reminder to think local first in daily choices.
Moray Gift Card Takes Center Stage
A major feature of Moray’s involvement is the Moray Gift Card, which lets users spend at over 260 spots across the region. This tool makes it easy to support local without extra effort.
The card comes in physical and digital forms, with values from five pounds up to 500 pounds. It works at a mix of places, including eateries, salons, and attractions. Recent figures show similar gift card programs in Scotland have injected over 16 million pounds into local economies since 2020.
Businesses can join for free, gaining access to new customers and marketing perks. Council officials say this network helps firms connect and grow together.
Residents can buy the card online or at select locations. Using it during the week amplifies the campaign’s message, turning everyday purchases into community wins.
| Business Type | Examples in Moray | Benefits of Using Gift Card |
|---|---|---|
| Cafes and Restaurants | Coffee shops, family diners | Fresh, local food options; supports jobs in hospitality |
| Retail Shops | Gift stores, clothing outlets | Unique items not found online; keeps money in the area |
| Salons and Services | Hairdressers, spas | Personalized care; boosts small business owners |
| Attractions | Museums, outdoor spots | Fun local experiences; preserves cultural sites |
Voices from Moray Leaders
Council Chair of Economic Development Marc Macrae called the week a call to action. He said simple choices, like picking a local store over a big chain, can ensure businesses thrive year-round.
Other leaders echoed this. They point to past successes, where similar campaigns led to a 15 percent uptick in foot traffic for high streets in regions like East Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire.
The push aligns with broader trends. A 2025 survey by a national business group found 70 percent of Scots want to shop more locally, driven by concerns over community decline and economic shifts.
This support builds on Moray’s history with the program. Since joining in 2021, the council has seen steady growth in participation, with more businesses signing up each year.
How Residents Can Join In
Anyone in Moray can take part by using the gift card for shopping or services. Sharing stories on social media with hashtags like #ChooseLocal spreads the word.
- Visit local markets or events highlighted during the week.
- Encourage friends and family to try nearby spots instead of traveling far.
- Sign up for updates on the Moray Gift Card page for tips and deals.
- Gift the card to others as a way to promote ongoing support.
These steps help protect jobs, with data showing local spending creates twice as many positions as national chains do.
Broader Impact on Scotland’s Economy
The campaign ties into national efforts to recover town centers post-pandemic. In 2025, Scotland’s economy has shown resilience, with small businesses contributing 40 percent of private sector jobs.
Moray’s role highlights regional strengths, like its mix of coastal towns and rural spots. By focusing on people, the week reminds everyone that communities succeed when locals invest in them.
Experts predict this year’s event could see record participation, building on extensions like the recent awards deadline push to August 27.
Share your thoughts on how you’re supporting local businesses this week. Comment below or spread the word to keep the conversation going.
