A Glasgow salon owner has been recognised for her efforts in encouraging the community to get behind a local gift card scheme.
Donna McArthur, who is the founder of Boveda Hair and Beauty on Maryhill Road, has been advocating the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card and the difference it can make to people and businesses.
When Glasgow City Council began the roll-out of the £105 gift cards to 85,000 low-income households across the city, Donna urged other businesses to sign up so that as many people as possible could use the cards and benefit.
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She also added £10 to the face value of any council-provided card.
Now her efforts to help both the community and the local economy have been highlighted in Scotland's Town Partnership's (STP) Scotland Loves Local Awards, where she was named as a runner-up in the High Street Hero category.
STP is spearheading the Scotland Loves Local campaign, supported by the Scottish Government.
Speaking after the awards, Donna said: “It was great to be nominated for the High Street Hero Award.
"It was testament to the Bóveda team with their enthusiasm in supporting the added value for our clients to redeem their Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Cards."
The gift card disbursement programme was launched as a way of supporting those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis as well as injecting some much-needed funds into city businesses that were trying to recover from the Covid pandemic.
After the pandemic, the team at Boveda recgonised the need for this extra support and invested in three 100% electric cars which were deemed 'crucial' for community health and beauty visits.
They have also raised nearly £5000 through various events to support local special needs school Eastpark School.
Donna added: “Business and communities working together is at the heart of everything we do at Bóveda.
"The synergy and collaboration that this creates is for the benefit of everyone in our community.
"It brings everyone closer together.”
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STP chairman Professor Leigh Sparks, added: “The dedication of people to deliver for their community never fails to amaze us.
“And, whether through responding to the climate emergency, improving our streetscape, creating new homes or urging people to choose local, our finalists and award winners stand testament to the innovation and determination which will create better town centres as part of a stronger, more sustainable Scotland.
"Their communities should be very proud of them.
“Well done to our finalists, all of those nominated and thank you to our sponsors.”
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