New grants will allow small business owners in Banchory adapt to the “new normal” of socially-distanced shopping.
The town, which benefits greatly from tourists exploring Deeside, has banded together to support each other as lockdown restrictions ease in Aberdeenshire.
The Banchory Business Association (BBA), which was formed in 2011, had now secured two grants to help their high street thrive.
The money will help small retailers afford things like hand sanitiser and social distancing markings – which would have otherwise taken a substantial amount from their already lighter pockets.
BBA’s Ian MacIntosh told the P&J: “Retailers have returned but it is still a very difficult situation for them.
“But now, we’re trying to put a positive spin on what has happened.
“The community spirit throughout the pandemic has been second to none and we want to carry that on – and encourage people in Banchory to shop local knowing it is safe to do so.
“BBA has managed to secure money from the Scottish Recovery Fund and Aberdeenshire Council’s Phoenix Fund and we have clear objectives – to ensure the High Street experience in Banchory is positive for shoppers and to make sure there is a key safety message that encourages people to the High Street.”
A local campaign will soon launch in response to the funding – with a large number of retailers involved with the shop local message.
Mr MacIntosh added: “We will engage with all local business owners – we can buy hand sanitiser and markings to address pinch points for certain areas in the town.
“It can be very expensive for small businesses to open up by themselves and the funding means we can now support them.
“Banchory is open for business and we are ready to welcome you. There’s a huge community spirit behind this.”
To find out more go to https://www.banchorybusinesses.co.uk