SHAWLANDS regulars are bound to spot a few familiar faces in a new Scotland-wide advertising campaign.

Traders from the South Side community are starring in a Scotland Loves Local promotion calling on shoppers to support local businesses.

And as the high streets fights back from the Covid-19 pandemic, the firm message is: It has never been more critical to choose local.

Glasgow Times: Free first use: Dayton Joline (BOTH CORRECT), owner of wine and craft beer store and bar Curious Liquids on Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, Glasgow. The business is one of several in Shawlands promoting the Scotland Loves Local campaign, encouraging people

Ali Haider, who has owned Stalks and Stems Florist and Greengrocers on Pollokshaws Road for 21 years, is one of those who features.

He, like others, has noticed an increase in people supporting local shops since the first coronavirus lockdown last year - a habit he and his neighbours hope will continue.

Glasgow Times: Free first use: Zoe Brennan, owner of gift shop Hell Yeah, on Pollockshaws Road, Shawlands, Glasgow. The business is one of several in Shawlands promoting the Scotland Loves Local campaign, encouraging people to choose local and back businesses in their

Ali said: “We need to promote local shops - and there are lots of nice shops opening up. We need people to support us.

“Before lockdown a number of small businesses were run down, but we’re now bringing them back and we’re seeing a big difference from before lockdown to now.

Glasgow Times: Free first use: Karina Curley, proprietor of Curley's Urbane Barbers (ALL CORRECT), on Minard Road, Shawlands, Glasgow. The business is one of several in Shawlands promoting the Scotland Loves Local campaign, encouraging people to choose local and

“Lots of people say they’re supporting local businesses now because they realise they’re so important.”

Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), which is spearheading Scotland Loves Local with support from the Scottish Government, hopes images of the Shawlands traders - all members of the My Shawlands Business Improvement District - will highlight the importance of shopping locally to the nation.

Glasgow Times: Free first use: Gordon Erskine, general manager of Phillies of Shawlands, serves customers Maliha Khan, left, and Jessica Taylor, right, outside the bar, on Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow. The business is one of several in Shawlands promoting the Scotland

STP Chief Officer Phil Prentice said: “The power of choosing local and supporting the local businesses should not be underestimated.

“As more options open up, we cannot afford to overlook the people and businesses who have been there when we needed them most during the pandemic.

“We need people to make a conscious decision to support those around them - whether for shopping, services, a meal with friends or a day out.

"By choosing local every time, we will make a tremendous difference to the fabric and fortunes of our communities.”

Glasgow Times: Free first use: Butcher Neil Cunningham, of John W McGraddie's on Minard Road, Shawlands, Glasgow, serving one of his regular customers. The long-established business is one of several in Shawlands promoting the Scotland Loves Local campaign,

Karina Curley, owner of Curley’s Urbane Barbers on Minard Road, is another of the Shawlands businesspeople fronting the campaign.

“It’s so important for people to support all local businesses,” she said.

“We rely on football from other businesses around us to pull people in. We all need to work together to encourage people to shop local and stay local.”

Gordon Erskine is general manager of bar and restaurant Phillies of Shawlands and is looking forward to bringing back live events as Covid-19 restrictions allow.

He added: “Shawlands is such a strong community. Coming out of the pandemic it will be great if everybody can continue to support us.”