MSP COLIN BEATTIE ENCOURAGES CONSTITUENTS TO SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCERS

​MSP Colin Beattie is urging constituents to consider shopping locally and making use of produce offered by Scottish food, drink and farming industries. He is encouraging people to think how they can support local businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic.

MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, said:
 
‘Now more than ever, it is vital that we look at shopping locally. This is a good time for us all to think about changing our shopping habits to be mindful of Scottish companies and to ensure we are championing our local businesses and to help them survive through the Covid-19 pandemic. If you would like to help Scottish producers in the food, drink and farming industries, there are many ways you can support them.’
 
‘Our food vendors and farmers are essential workers, and many are still operating at this time. I would encourage my constituents to think about buying local products from smaller businesses so that we can all play our part in helping producers through this difficult period.’
 
‘We have fantastic and well-known producers in Midlothian and East Lothian, such as Macsween Haggis, Stewart Brewing, J K Thomson Fish, amongst many others. We can all help these producers by incorporating their products into our weekly shops.’
 
‘Even where you are using bigger supermarkets, you can look at the labels for Scottish brands such as Scotch beef, Scotch lamb and Scottish salmon and seafood. You can also use local farm shops for your fruit, veg and dairy products. By using independent butchers and bakers, community shops, farm shops and even your local convenience store for basics and essentials you are helping keep businesses alive.’
 
‘From the 18 May an online portal will be launched by Scotland Food and Drink’s called ‘Support local’. This site already gives access to over 260 Scottish food and drink producers, who have all have signed up to promote what they provide in their local area and can deliver direct. This will be available at: https://www.foodanddrink.scot/support-local/’