An independent record shop owner in Lanark is calling on residents across Lanarkshire to rally behind local enterprises during Scotland Loves Local Week, which commences on Saturday, June 13. Ian McDonald, who runs Cosmic Grooves CIC on South Vennel, emphasizes the critical role of community support for the survival and growth of small businesses.
Cosmic Grooves: A Community Hub
Cosmic Grooves CIC is more than just a record store; it features a music room and actively supports community activities. Having opened only a few months ago, the shop sells vinyl records and other music products. Ian, with a background in community development, is convinced that local patronage is essential for the store's future and for all local enterprises.
He stated: "I wanted to do something in the town that’s my home and this felt like the perfect opportunity. We’re a community interest company, so all surpluses that we make will be reinvested into the community, so it’s a really positive effect for everyone. We’re finding people travelling from far and wide to visit the shop, which people are glad to see in Lanark, but support from local people is vital for us. Our model means that when people support us, we’re directly supporting our community, including creating activities and opportunities for younger people. I’m also really interested to see how the model of what we’re trying to create goes out to other local businesses. There’s real strength in people coming together to act."
Scotland Loves Local Week
Discover Lanark Business Improvement District (BID) is once again supporting Scotland Loves Local Week, which this year carries the theme "Flying The Flag For Local Businesses." With national pride high as Scotland kicks off its World Cup campaign in the USA this weekend, Scotland Loves Local leaders encourage everyone to celebrate local pride as well. By doing so, they say, people can help safeguard enterprises, protect jobs, and give communities a platform to flourish.
Scotland Loves Local, spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) with support from the Scottish Government, aims to build stronger, more sustainable futures for communities by encouraging support for local businesses.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, commented: "Discover Lanark does a fantastic job in flying the flag for local businesses all-year round, which we are urging everyone to do. It is easy to underestimate the impact of local people supporting local businesses, and local businesses supporting one another. Yet every one of us can play a remarkable role in driving community wealth and building stronger, more resilient communities simply by choosing to do so."
