A GREENOCK-BASED bus firm has backed a campaign which aims to encourage people to support local businesses.

McGill’s Group has joined the Scotland Loves Local campaign as the first Scotland Loves Local Week, which begins on August 28, approaches.

The national drive is spearheaded by Scotland’s Town Partnership (STP) and encourages people to prioritise supporting enterprises of every kind in their local area.

The partnership with McGill's aims to encourage greater footfall in town centres by using the operator's increasingly environmentally friendly bus fleet.

Managing director Alex Hornby said: “We’re really excited to be working with STP.

Greenock Telegraph: Alex HornbyAlex Hornby (Image: Scotland Loves Local)

"As a fiercely proud, family-owned Scottish company, we are completely aligned in terms of the local agenda and we believe the bus is a powerful enabler to the economic health of Scotland’s villages, towns and cities.

“With over 100 buses in our fleet already zero-emission electric, we are keen that the bus is seen as the solution to the shared problems of accessibility, congestion and carbon emissions, and therefore the sustainability, attractiveness and success of the local centres we serve.”

Kimberley Guthrie, STP interim chief officer, added: “With the work that McGill’s is putting into electrifying their fleet, I think this partnership will help drive greater footfall in our town centres and help us move toward net zero”