26-06-2025
Residents urged to get behind local businesses in West Lothian during Independents Day weekend
The national awareness campaign aims to shine the spotlight on independent businesses and retailers
Residents in West Lothian are being encouraged to shop local and back independent retailers and businesses in their own communities.
West Lothian Council is supporting Independents Day weekend, which takes place on July 4 and 5.
The national awareness campaign aims to shine the spotlight on and support local independent businesses and retailers.
Across West Lothian, there are a significant number and diverse range of independent businesses and retailers located within the traditional town centres of Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn and Uphall, Linlithgow, and Whitburn, as well as local villages.
Independents account for almost two-thirds of the approximate total of 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and are at the heart of local communities throughout the country.
Executive councillor for economy, community empowerment and wealth building, Susan Manion said: 'West Lothian is fortunate to have a huge range of excellent local businesses, so please consider giving them your support this Independents Day weekend.
'Independent business can offer more than a chain or franchise, such as unique products or personal quality of service for customers.
'Any money you spend in an independent business is more likely to stay in West Lothian, so it also helps maintain jobs and boost the local economy.
'Whether it's using a regular local favourite again, or trying a local independent business you've never visited before, please give our wonderful independent businesses your support over the Independent's Day weekend in July.'
West Lothian Council offers support to local independent traders and businesses through its shop front improvement grant scheme. The council-funded initiative offers our high street and local businesses the opportunity to apply for one-off grants of up to £750, to assist with external improvements, subject to applications meeting the scheme eligibility and criteria.
West Lothian Council's Economic Development service also provides a full range of assistance and support to local businesses and individuals.
