East Renfrewshire residents are being urged to 'shop local' this Christmas to support the area's traders.

Barrhead's MSP Tom Arthur has said there has never been a more important time to back small businesses as they try to recover from the Covid pandemic and cope with pressures caused by the cost-of-living crisis.

The SNP politician, who represents the Renfrewshire South constituency, added that shopping locally is a simple way for people to play a part in supporting their local economy.

Mr Arthur told the Barrhead News: “These businesses provide jobs in Renfrewshire South and play a significant role in making our community so vibrant.

“Truth be told, there has never been a more important time to shop local whenever you can, as businesses are still recovering from the pandemic and facing the challenges of the UK Government’s Brexit obsession and the pressures of the rising bills we are all seeing.

“The SNP government is helping our businesses recover as much as it can but we can all play our part individually too by visiting our local cafes, shops, bars, salons, restaurants and the many more businesses we are lucky to have in Renfrewshire South.

“Small, local businesses make a big difference to our communities and local economy.”