Christmas comes but once a year... and thank goodness. For some reason this year, I feel there should be an extra week in December – Christmas Day is coming around far too early for my liking. I’ve barely got my cards away and I really should have had my presents bought a lot sooner.
This year, a substantial amount of present-buying has been done in Berwick – as this is where I am currently working from until our new Selkirk office is completed – and around the Borders. But for many people, they have taken their money out of the region.
I was chatting to a gift shop and gallery owner last week who was visibly upset at the lack of trade, telling me there had been a lot of people stopping off at her shop for coffee, but rather than buy gifts from her, the majority were heading to Edinburgh to do their shopping.
I know we say this every year, but it’s true – we need to support our local businesses. Because if we don’t, we really will become a suburb of Edinburgh. Our local retailers provide us with quality goods and services all-year round, catering for our needs and treats. Let’s support their hard work and perseverance in what has probably been a pretty tough year.
And can I take this opportunity to wish all our readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas when it comes next week.