THE Scotland Loves Local campaign in Kincardine is enjoying the backing of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The trust got behind the initiative to encourage people to support businesses on high streets and in town centres.

It is working with businesses in the town to publicise the campaign amid the coronavirus crisis with funding received from Scotland's Towns Partnership.

Angela Davis is a community engagement officer at the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) and is also a resident in Kincardine.

She said: "As someone who lives in Kincardine, it's great to contribute to the village as part of my role at CRT.

"I'm enjoying working with local businesses to help the whole of Kincardine deal with the impact of Covid-19."

Shops in the area are displaying the Scotland Loves Local logo and CRT hopes to utilise social media pages to promote individual businesses each week.

Kristine Conners, co-owner of Blush Boutique Salon in Kincardine, said: "We've had our hairdressing and beauty salon is in the centre of the village for three years.

"We were really busy when we first re-opened after the Covid-19 lockdown, but it's starting to get a little quiet.

"Some people are still on furlough or worried about their jobs and the village isn't as busy as usual.

"Most of our clientele are from the local area and I think the Scotland Loves Local campaign will provide a boost for businesses like ours and get more people out and about.

"As part of the campaign we'll also offer a Friday Fiver deals on a selected product to encourage customers to come in."

The Coalfield Worx team from CRT has been working in the village to put up safe distancing notices; install outside benches, seating and planters; spray the pavements with temporary chalk paint promoting distancing measures; and to place portable outside hand sanitisers.

Lesley Cobban, from Garvies on Elphinstone Street, added: "Our pub in the centre of Kincardine is really popular with local people and we rely on regulars for our business.

"Since we opened after lockdown we've obviously had all the required restrictions in place, including people being seated and no music.

"Our regulars are still coming but this initiative will encourage more people to the pub as we make it even more welcoming.

"For example, we'll have a new bench outside for customers.

"The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is doing a great job in making Kincardine look better through its various initiatives and the Scotland Loves Local campaign should give another boost to the village."