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Enhancing convenience, catering to a wider range of customers and benefiting even more businesses are key aims as the Argyll and Bute Gift Card goes on sale locally
Community Interest Company, Keeping It Local CIC, now stocks and sells the Argyll and Bute Gift Card from its Main Street, Campbeltown base.
Previously only available online, the local sales point is the first in person location for people to buy the Argyll and Bute Gift Card in the region. Cards can be purchased from £5, ready to spend with over 300 businesses.
Keeping It Local CIC opened in 2017 and provides a range of services, including an online resource connecting people with businesses and a network of digital screens across Kintyre and Gigha, broadcasting local news, events and health/wellbeing information.
The organisation also offers a number of community initiatives including bike hire and maintenance, printing and a pre-loved to re-loved furniture upcycling project, as well as town centre maintenance working in collaboration with Campbeltown Community Council.
Jason McCallum is the founder of Keeping It Local CIC and said a local sales point will be appreciated by the community:
“Since the Argyll and Bute Gift Card launched, we’ve had lots of requests from the community to be able to buy the card, and previously we could only signpost them online. Not everyone has internet access, and some people just want the convenience of buying a gift card there and then. Keeping It Local CIC becoming a place to buy the Argyll and Bute Gift Card is a big step forward for the programme.
“From when the Argyll and Bute Gift Card was introduced, I’ve seen it as a powerful force to drive the shop local agenda. Following on from the disbursement of the gift card by Argyll and Bute Council, it’s time for us to embed the Argyll and Bute Gift Card even further into the community by making it as easy as possible for people to buy the card and use it.
“300 businesses accepting the Argyll and Bute Gift Card is good and I hope to see additional businesses signing up to accept the card too, so we can spread the benefit of the card far and wide. The more businesses which accept the card, the more attractive it becomes as a gift for people to buy. Increased choice also makes the card appealing to corporate businesses using the card to reward staff.
“It’s really easy to buy the Argyll and Bute Gift Card from us at Keeping It Local CIC. It takes a few minutes for us to activate the card and load it with your chosen value, and then the recipient can spend away, accessing products and services from a fantastic range of businesses in the region.”
Councillor Alastair Redman, policy lead for economy growth and communities, said: “We are incredibly lucky here in Argyll and Bute to have a wide range of independent businesses and local producers. From gift shops, cafes and restaurants to unique experience providers and farmers markets. Every time you buy the Argyll and Bute gift card, not only are you giving a unique present, you are also helping to keep spending local, supporting local jobs and giving a boost to the local economy.”
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.
Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex and said: “1 in 3 people choose gifts based on how quickly they can get them. Making the Argyll and Bute Gift Card convenient to buy in person, as well as online, is key to the growth of the card, making it easier than ever for people to choose local.”
