WE ARE fortunate in Lochgilphead to have such a wide variety of independent shops and other small businesses on our doorstep.
A glance at the centre of many a small town around Scotland reveals boarded-up shop fronts, charity shops where there used to be inde pendent retailers and a feeling of neglect. A combination of factors has created this situation, including competition from out-oftown retail parks, online shopping, supermarket dominance and the recent recession.