A SCOTS gift card initiative has helped a small Bute gift shop stay afloat during its first winter.
Simply Buteiful in Rothesay is one of over 300 businesses who are part of the Scotland Loves Local Argyll and Bute Gift Card initiative, with over £2,300 spent at the small local shop to date.
Argyll and Bute Council distributed £120 Argyll and Bute Gift Cards to over 6000 low-income households in December 2022, an initiative that has helped local businesses to survive.
Rachel McGinlay served in the police force in Coventry for 28 years before moving to the Isle of Bute to be closer to family, taking over Simply Buteiful in October 2022.
Rachel said: “Island businesses are very reliant on tourists. Income generated over the summer is usually what sustains the business in the leaner months.
“In my first winter, I wasn’t sure what to expect and I have so appreciated the support I’ve had from locals.
“The Argyll and Bute Gift Card going out was just fantastic as it gave people the opportunity to come in and treat themselves to anything from a set of glasses to a throw or a book.”
Councillor Alistair Redman, policy lead for economy growth and communities said: “After a challenging few years for local businesses, it’s great to see the gift card making a difference across Argyll and Bute and helping to support the local economy.
“Not only does the card help businesses, it also supports local employment.”
The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative was introduced in 2021 as a means to direct spend to local communities, and power economic recovery, delivered by Scotland’s Town Partnership (STP) and Perth based fintech Miconex.
