An Inverness businesswoman is leading the way for local
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Jo De Sylva, who runs MacGregor's with husband Bruce, is making a call for all those local businesses that are holding big business to shame over its carbon footprint.
Ms De Sylva, from Visit Inverness Loch Ness, said she was determined that as far as possible she and other businesses try to buy local.
She said: "We have using local produce for a long time - not only is it great for environmental reasons, it is important for the local economy. It is a win-win situation.
"We get out meat from Munros, we get our fish from local fishermen, we get our coffee from local roasters, our drinks are sourced as closely to Inverness as possible, and you know what - it works!
"Not only are we creating and sustaining a market for ourselves, more and more often the customer is looking to try local produce, so we are seeing a real shift in what customers want. So it is important to source things locally.
"We have our own micro economy in small business and in Inverness and the Highlands. I believe that the more we look locally for products the more we have that can be produced here. Investing back into the local economy is so important for our future.
"We all know from the pandemic that it was tough to get some items, so if we can make them locally we must."
She laughed: "I know I sound as though we have got it all sorted, and there is still so much more to be done - but what we want are for people to come forward with their thoughts and ideas on the future. It really matters."
Turning to the impact of small business, she continued: "It might seem as though small business can't make as big an impact as big business, but I think that is not the way to look at it.
"Small businesses make a very serious impact, directly with our local communities, but also as a nation of shopkeepers and businesses owners we can have a serious impact on carbon.
"It does take time and planning, but making those local connections with other businesses and buying local can make a world of a difference on so many levels - what is not to like about that?"
