RESTYLE, a social enterprise on the Isle of Bute operated by the charity Fyne Futures, has become the latest sales point for the Argyll and Bute Gift Card and the first location on the island to offer the service.
The move is part of a wider initiative to support local businesses and encourage residents to shop locally.
The special gift card can now be bought in person at Restyle in Rothesay, available during the store’s operating hours from Tuesday to Saturday as well as online. The availability of the gift card on Bute now brings the total number of physical locations selling the item to three, joining Keeping It Local CIC in Kintyre and Lochgilphead Post Office.
The gift card can be spent at over 300 businesses across Argyll and Bute, with almost 40 participating businesses on the Isle of Bute alone. Leaders behind the scheme highlight the card’s potential to lock in local spending and provide direct support to the island’s economy.
Reeni Kennedy-Boyle is general manager of Fyne Futures and said becoming a Sales Point for the card will provide tangible support for Bute businesses from locals and visitors, she explained: “Our two pillars are environment and people which we bring to life through Bike Bute, Bute Produce, and Restyle. As a reuse retail outlet, Restyle uses the circular economy model reselling household items at affordable prices. We were one of the first to sign up to accept the Argyll and Bute Gift Card because our aim is to keep as much spending local as possible. It was a natural step for us to become the first location on the Isle of Bute to sell the cards too.
“During a recent consultation, we found out that support for local is incredibly high on the Isle of Bute. The majority of our businesses are small and family owned, offering local employment. Buying the Argyll and Bute Gift Card is an easy way for people to show their support for local and boost our island’s resilience. Of the 39 local businesses who accept the Argyll and Bute Gift Card on the island, there is a good mix of practical ways to spend cards alongside treats. The choice is important.”
She added: “Alongside locals buying the card, lots of people return to the Isle of Bute over the festive period, or visit the island as tourists. Being able to buy the Argyll and Bute Gift Card in person on the island will provide tangible support for Bute businesses from locals and visitors alike, so we can keep spend locked into the island.”
DL Gordon, Bute BID co-ordinator said the new Sales Point for Rothesay is a positive step: “I’m really delighted we have a sales point for the Argyll & Bute Gift Card in Rothesay and that so many businesses are accepting the cards.”
With Restyle’s involvement, the community gains another way to promote local shopping, offering both convenience and a chance to invest in the sustainability of the area’s small businesses. Cards are also available for purchase online.
