Business owners at a popular Aberdeen shopping destination have launched a campaign to support local, independent trade.
Firms all around the Rosemount area have organised the first meeting of their new association on Thursday.
Adam Simpson, the owner of the glassware store Opaque, explained the group had been formed as a direct result of the strains placed on small retail outlets by business rate increases and the downturn in the oil and gas industry.
He argued that, by banding together and working to promote the benefits of shopping locally, the group was hoping to draw shoppers away from big supermarkets and back into the community.
A number of plans are already in place to achieve this goal, such as a proposed Easter Egg hunt which will take chocolate lovers both young and old on a tour of everything that Rosemount has to offer.
Mr Simpson said: “Now, more than ever, is the time for us independent traders to stick together and come up with a plan for the future.
“I’ve been networking around the area, and everyone is very keen on bringing back the oldfashioned style of shopping in the community.
“We’re getting together for our first meeting on Thursday to come up with ideas and help promote Rosemount.
“A lot of us have been affected by factors like the oil and gas crash and business rates.
“Retailers are currently fighting against stuff like this and the internet, which means we need to work hard to promote what’s on offer.
“It’s really surprising when you take a walk around Rosemount and see the sheer amount of different services that are right here on people’s doorsteps.
“What I want to highlight is that people don’t need to drive out of town and go to the big supermarkets, there’s everything they need right here in the local community.”
Rosemount councillor Bill Cormie believes the new association will help boost the profile of businesses in the area.
He said: “This is a fantastic idea. We had a similar association a number of years ago, and it really helped to bring customers to the area.
“Rosemount has such a huge variety of quality businesses, and anything that helps promote all their hard work, and the wonderful services and products they offer, is great news.”
