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 independent 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.
Lochgilphead has empty shops, of course, but to a far lesser extent than seen elsewhere. But the truth is that our Mid Argyll shops will only survive and thrive if we use and support them.