Scotland Loves Local
About the project
A rallying call to help local businesses, vital to our much-loved high streets, has been heard throughout the country. Our client, Message Matters, architects of the Scotland Loves Local initiative, asked us to partner with them in their latest call to arms in collaboration with Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Scottish Government.
The Scotland Loves Local campaign is a national initiative designed to encourage us to think local first and support our local shops and town centres. As part of this, the High Street Heroes Awards recognise the people, businesses and local organisations who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during the coronavirus restrictions.
McAteer Photo produced a strong collection of campaign images and short films (scripted by Message Matters), to help tell the Love Local story, show the diverse range of businesses on offer, and celebrate our High Street Heroes.
While it was safe to do so, and following public health guidelines, we visited traders and businesses in Milngavie, Paisley, Melrose, Alloa, Clarkston, Parkhead and Linwood. The initiative highlights the talent and entrepreneurship present in our communities. We photographed in a garden and lifestyle store, clothes shops, grocers, butchers, fishmongers, craft and gift shops, fruiterers and florists, cafes and restaurants, carpet retailer, bike shop, newsagents, a haberdashery and a tailor, a jeweller and a pet store with a rather chatty parrot!
We already knew they were going to be welcoming and friendly. Still, we were impressed by the optimism and resilience of all the traders who face the daily challenge of trading safely during a pandemic. We take our hats off to them for keeping their doors open, and their staff employed while doing what they can to support their customers and the local community.
In addition to the images you see here, you can view them in context and read more about the campaign and how you can get involved at https://lovelocal.scot/
