A business leader has hailed a Moray community for shopping local, helping many businesses thrive during the pandemic.
Lossiemouth Business Association chairwoman Jill Fletcher has urged people to continue supporting the town’s businesses in the months ahead.
She has already seen success stories like McClintock Dispensing Optician who moved into bigger premises recently.
Mrs Fletcher said: “Most of the businesses open during lockdown have thrived and the local community has really pulled together amid the pandemic.
“The businesses have adapted to the real challenges and there seems to be a real good community feel in the town.
“McClintock Dispensing Optician have now moved down to the harbour with bigger premises and it is great to see a business not just thriving but expanding.
“These new premises have also allowed owner Amanda to function properly and ensure all safety measures are in place.
“W P Macleman butchers have been taking on specific orders like making beef Wellington for Sunday lunch – they have been maxed out with orders.
“I tried three weeks in a row to get mine but got it on the fourth week which shows how busy the business has been.”
Hopes that shopping local could become ‘new norm’ after lockdown
Mrs Fletcher feels the coronavirus crisis has reinforced the importance of shopping local as businesses have pulled together to help the community deal with the struggles.
She added: “I think moving forward as a community we need to remember the businesses that supported us through the crisis and return that favour in a way of supporting our community.
“Businesses have provided meals and other things during the pandemic.
“Local businesses can provide more or less everything you need to survive daily.
“I think we all go through daily lives taking things for granted at times.
“There is local good quality produce which we have on our doorstep so we should take advantage of that.”
Last month, McClintock Dispensing Opticians Optical Styling Boutique relocated from their Queen Street store to the old harbourmaster office at Pitgaveny Quay.
The business originally opened in the town around two years ago.
Owner Amanda Nasser was “thrilled” to be able to expand even during these uncertain times.
She added: “I have been really busy since I started working in the new premises around six weeks ago.
“The community support has been tremendous and all the businesses are working really well together to get more people to come and visit the Lossiemouth.
“There is a great community spirit all around the Moray town.”
Meanwhile, Heldon and Laich councillor James Allan described the increasing numbers of locals using the town’s businesses as a “major boost”.
Mr Allan said: “Our community has come together amid the uncertainty.
“It is great to see local businesses getting well supported.”
