Business owners in Renfrewshire have been praised for their hard work during the cost-of-living crisis.

West Scotland MSP Neil Bibby recently visited Wm Phelps butchers and Paisley Gift Cart as part of the first Scotland Loves Local Week.

Last week's campaign, organised by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP), encouraged people to spend their cash with traders in their own community.

The Gazette: Neil Bibby with staff from Wm PhelpsNeil Bibby with staff from Wm Phelps (Image: Supplied)

Mr Bibby told The Gazette: "Local businesses such as Wm Phelps were what kept communities across Paisley and Renfrewshire going throughout the pandemic, and Scotland Loves Local Week is our chance to thank them.

"I was pleased to meet with Paisley Gift Cart and hear about the fantastic work they are doing to support the local community. 

"By getting behind these local enterprises, we can ensure their survival during the cost-of-living crisis, safeguard jobs, and keep money circulating in the local economy.

"Loving local means supporting a sustainable future for Paisley and Renfrewshire - making it an even better place to live, work and visit."

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Kimberley Guthrie, interim chief officer at STP, said: "Scotland Loves Local Week is a nationwide celebration of local excellence and it is fantastic that we’ve welcomed more than 50 MSPs and MPs from across the country into businesses, social enterprises and community-led organisations to showcase the great spirit of entrepreneurialism and innovation we have here in Scotland.

"The simple act of choosing local has a profound effect, laying the foundations of a new future for towns and neighbourhoods as we seize and create opportunities to make them stronger and more sustainable.

"We need everyone to step forward and make a difference. Your community needs you."