A GROWING Ayr business has received a visit from the town's MP as part of his efforts to champion local enterprise during Scotland Loves Local Week.

Allan Dorans called in at the Narture Sourdough Bakery in Cathcart Street and its artisan cafe in nearby Sandgate to find out not just about their products but also their use of profits to fund local art projects.

Set up in June 2020, right in the middle of the Covid pandemic, by artist father-and-daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer, Narture's ultimate aim is to become a "truly inclusive creative hive", using the sales of their products to inspire creative energy in others as well as breathing new life into the town centre.

 

Mr Dorans said: “Local businesses such as Narture are what kept communities across Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock going throughout the pandemic, and Scotland Loves Local Week is our chance to thank them.

“I was pleased to meet with Robert Singer 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 Ayrshire - making it an even better place to live, work and visit.”

Like Narture, the Scotland Loves Local campaign was born as the country emerged from the first Covid lockdown in the summer of 2020, with the aim of encouraging people to shop locally rather than buying products from global online suppliers.

Throughout Scotland Loves Local Week, businesses and politicians are joining forces to call on everyone across Ayrshire to get behind local businesses in order to help communities tackle the challenges cost-of-living crisis, the climate emergency and the ongoing financial fightback from the coronavirus pandemic.

The campaign is spearheaded by the Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP), with support from the Scottish Government.

Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s interim chief officer, 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.”

Find out more about Scotland Loves Local Week and the work of the STP at lovelocal.scot.