Small business Saturday was formed as a way of bringing attention to small business and the success that can be driven by consumers ‘shopping local’. 2020 has been a tough year for everyone, particularly those who set about new ventures at the start of the year, or those who run their livelihoods from home locations.
When is small business Saturday?
This year, small business Saturday UK falls on 5th December (the US celebration runs over a different date). A lot of suppliers often choose this day to run promotional discounts ad offers. However, the purpose of the day is support, rather than discounting.
Benefits of small business Saturday?
They say that every time a small business makes a sale, they do a little dance. This couldn’t be truer for 2020, where a lot of independent businesses have faced closures, uncertainties and financial worries. By supporting a small business whilst doing your Christmas shopping this year, you might just be the sale keeping them afloat!
Scottish businesses to support during small business Saturday 2020
Why not shop some of our favourite small businesses from the West coast of Scotland for 2020 … ?
Botanic Isles
Botanic Isles design and make unique jewellery pieces crafted with real Scottish flowers and natural elements. The creative business has been featured in BBC Gardening World, Gardener’s World, and Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Herald magazine luxury gift guide. To add to their delightful gifting story, Botanic Isles donate 5% of all their online sales to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue.
Alba the Artshop
Based in Oban, Alba the Art Shop is an independent retailer selling affordable artworks by Scottish artists, alongside a range of other gift ideas. Harry Potter fans will love this colourful Glenfinnan Viaduct print!
Lussa Gin
As well as there regular offering of individually numbered classic gins, the good folks at Lussa Gin are currently producing a limited-edition gin liqueur. Made with Lussa Gin and brambles, ingredients are handpicked from the Isle of Jura. Mix it in a cocktail or enjoy the liqueur neat for a true taste of the Scottish Isles. As a bonus gift, we also love their handcrafted Lussa Gin soaps – perfectly priced for stocking fillers.
Aray Fish
Aray Fish, a family run business since 2001, deliver premium quality, fresh fish, fruit and veg to your front door. Their refrigerated delivery service covcer the mid Argyll and Cowal area and are currently operating under strict Covid-19 guidelines. Aray Fish fully support British producers whenever possible.
Loch Melfort Hotel Gift Vouchers
One of the main things people are looking forward to right now is a break from lockdown. With that in mind, a Loch Melfort Hotel accommodation voucher is a great way to give a loved one something to feel excited about. And, you needn’t worry about time restrictions! Due to the current Covid situation, any vouchers purchased from now are valid for 18 months.
Oliver G M Lewis
Oliver is a self-taught photographer who captures the landscapes and buildings of Scotland. On his website, he explains that he aims for his photographs to force the viewer to explore human impact on the environment and consider the importance of preserving the places he captures for the use of future generations. We love his affordable prints and Christmas cards featuring the Scottish Highlands.
Murrays Smoked Products
Murrays Smoked Products is a family run smokehouse based in the small village of Ford in West Scotland. Their tasty, Loch-side Hampers make a wonderfully extravagant gift for your foodie friends – taking the hassle out of this year’s Christmas food shop.
The Square Peg
You’ll be hard pushed to find a Scottish local (or tourist) who doesn’t have a soft spot for the humble Highland cow. In fact, at Loch Melfort Hotel, we love them so much that we have 3 permanent residents – originally employed as hotel grass cutters (and unofficial guest greeters). But for those who don’t have space for the real deal, we love these Highland Bull Doorstops from local Argyll gift shop The Square Peg.
Devil’s Staircase
Located in the West Highlands of Scotland, the Pixel Spirits distillery produces, bottles and labels their own Devil’s Staircase small-batch gin on site. “More gin?”, you might ask? But how about rather than a bottle of the good stuff, you treat a loved one to an experience that allows them to make their own in a 4-hour gin school workshop?
The Wee Star Candle Company
Local Oban resident Tina set about creating a cruelty-free and Eco-friendly candle and home scents business, The Wee Star Candle Company, as a way to work from home whilst taking care of her children. With the aim to promote self-care and encourage people to enjoy some well-deserved ‘me time’, Tina’s candles, wax melts and reed diffusers start from as little as £4 and are made using biodegradable materials and quality oils.
Kames
Kames is a family run fish farm, based on the shores of Loch Melfort, who have been growing Steelhead Trout since 1972. Committed to welfare and sustainable fishing, the trout are reared as naturally as possible with minimal impact to the environment. Find out more and order from the Kames website.
The Highland Soap Co.
The lip balm range by The Highland Soap Co. is a great place to start if you’re looking to buy small gifts for multiple people. At only £3.50 a tin, they come in at an affordable price point come in 3 flavours – all made with organic ingredients.
Sea Drift Pottery
Swap high-street homeware for beautifully hand-crafted designs by Sea Drift Pottery. Each piece is individually made, decorated, fired and glazed in their Highland studio and (just like the Scottish West coast) is built to take the small knocks of every daily life. Their versatile pasta bowls from the Argyll winter range make for a unique (yet affordable) gift.
Promote small business Saturday
It goes without saying, that the best way to support and promote small business Saturday is by spreading the word and sharing the links to your favourite suppliers. That one extra share on your preferred social media platform might just be the one that drives the sale that makes their day.
Happy Shopping! And don’t forget to share this post!