Scottish Government marks success of ‘Go Local’ with exciting new butchery for Scotmid’s South Queensferry store

Scotmid Co-op welcomed Ms Gougeon and representatives from Scotland Food & Drink and the Scottish Grocers Federation with a tour of the new in-store butchery department, operated by Edinburgh based Charles Wilson Butchers. 

Approaching five years since the launch of the joint programme, Go Local brings together local producers and local retailers and helps ensure customers have access to high-quality local produce, leaning in to growing demand for fresh, sustainable and healthy food & drink.

A recent report on the benefits of Go Local project was published earlier in the year, highlighting a remarkable increase in Scottish products being sold over the counter in participating stores. Taking part in the programme results in an average growth in sales of goods sourced from local producers of 44%. The report also provides evidence of a significant multiplier impact and boost for the local economy, with expected increases of around £159k per store per annum. 

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “It’s fantastic to see first-hand the impact of the Go Local programme at Scotmid’s South Queensferry store. The new butchery, operated by Charles Wilson Butchers, is a brilliant example of how Scottish Government support is helping retailers connect with local producers and bring fresh, high-quality food to communities. Go Local is delivering real benefits for our local economies by supporting jobs and responding to growing demand for sustainable, healthy Scottish produce."

You can read the press release in full here.