MORAY SHOPPERS ARE being urged to demonstrate their desire to keep local shops open by support Small Business Saturday this week.
The annual drive to support businesses that have fought to retain a presence in local towns and villages is promoted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
They are urging everyone to “do their bit” by backing Small Businesses Saturday by choosing, whenever possible, to use a local independent when purchasing their Christmas Gifts.
It is a drive strongly supported in Moray by local MSP Richard Lochhead, who said: “This year, as in previous years, there has been much hype around so-called Black Friday sales and big discounts from online retailers, often to the detriment of local shops.
“That’s why this weekend I’ll be showing my support for local shops, as I do throughout the year across Moray.
“While I appreciate that household budgets are stretched more than ever at this time of year – we should do everything we can to shop local businesses which are often at the heart of our communities.”
A Cabinet Secretary at the Scottish Government, Mr Lochhead insisted that the SNP are doing everything it can to revitalise town centres and support small business.
He added: “That’s why the Scottish Government has reduced or removed business rates for almost 100,000 businesses in Scotland through the Small Business Bonus Scheme.
“I hope shoppers throughout Moray can find time to support our local, independent businesses when carrying out their Christmas shopping this year.
“I am sure local spending will be very much appreciated by local retailers and their staff.”