Thousands of cash-strapped households across East Renfrewshire will be handed £100 gift cards later this month.

The giveaway is being run by East Renfrewshire Council, with funding provided by the Scottish Government, and aims to help people cope with the cost-of-living crisis, as well as providing a boost for local businesses.

The gift cards will be sent to more than 4,500 low-income households in the area and can be used at any East Renfrewshire business that has joined the Scotland Loves Local scheme.

It encourages people to 'think local' first and support businesses in their own community.

Currently, more than 50 East Renfrewshire retailers and restaurants are signed up and the council is encouraging more to join in the coming months, so they can benefit from local spending.

Households will be eligible for one of the gift cards if they are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction.

There is no application process, with each eligible household receiving a £100 gift card which will be posted to them automatically.

The gift card and code needed to activate it will be posted separately from Thursday, November 24.

Council leader Owen O’Donnell told the Barrhead News: “I am really pleased that we are able to support low-income households with this scheme.

"Not only will it benefit residents, it will also boost the local economy with vital sales in the months ahead, so I’d encourage any business not already signed up to do so.

"We’re committed to supporting the East Renfrewshire community as we recover from the pandemic and will offer any help we can with tackling the cost-of-living crisis.”

Scottish Government Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur, whose Renfrewshire South constituency includes Barrhead, added: “This scheme is supported by £1.47million worth of Scottish Government funding to boost economic recovery after the pandemic and help address the cost-of-living crisis.

"The national Scotland Loves Local programme encourages people to think, choose and spend locally – retaining income in businesses and communities.

"The Scottish Government is supporting our communities as they help boost our economy.”

East Renfrewshire businesses can sign up for free by visiting scotlandgiftslocal.com/business-sign-up. Alternatively, they can send an email to business@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.