Scottish Government invests £250k taking local gift card scheme digital

The Scottish Government is urging shoppers to think of our high streets first, as Scotland Loves Local (SLL) gift cards go digital.

The scheme, which aims to boost trade in town and city centres, was introduced after the pandemic to help small businesses recover.

The cards can be loaded with credit and used in participating shops and businesses within users’ local council area.

Now the Scottish Government is investing £250,000 to enable the cards to operate digitally via devices such as mobile phones.

By going digital, the cards can be used by businesses to reward loyal customers and encourage repeat custom.

The new system may also be made compatible with transport providers’ ticketing systems, allowing relatives or businesses to gift train and bus fares into town centres for shopping trips.

Cards are currently utilised by more than 20 councils – including six which have used them to distribute more than £13 million of Scottish Government Coronavirus (Covid-19) economic recovery funding to lower-income households.

'A step forward'

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “Going digital is an important step forward for the SLL gift card.

"The scheme has already delivered millions of pounds of extra spending to help businesses recover from the pandemic and by increasing their useability I am sure even more people will be encouraged to shop locally.

“The cards have made a real difference in places like Glasgow, where thousands of cards have been used to access Scottish Government funding for economic recovery.

“They represent a step towards the creation of local currencies to be invested and retained within areas. Digitalisation will accelerate that process and help support fairer and more prosperous local economies.”

Circular economy

Social Blend cafe is just one of the businesses across Barrhead which accepts the SLL cards.

It is a social enterprise which works with young people who have disabilities and additional support needs to offer employment and training in hospitality.

Founder Paul McIlvenny said the SLL scheme has already made a big impact: "I think it's great that people are encouraged to shop local.

"They can come in, spend their money locally and keep it here in terms of a circular economy.

"But it's not just the businesses that benefit - it's hugely important for shoppers in terms of the cost of living crisis right now.

"It means people don't have to use their cash to travel to big shops or out-of-town complexes.

"With the price of things rising, doubling and even trebling sometimes, I think it makes a big impact that they can come out and use these cards locally, and walk instead of spending money on travel."

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