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Scotmid, Spar Scotland and One O One Retail have all signed up to the scheme, which will enable them to accept the Scotland Loves Local gift cards in their stores.
The Scottish Government is funding the rollout of gift cards across each of the country’s 32 local authority areas.
The work is being organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.
It is the first time that a local gift card programme has been delivered on this scale.
The agreements with the convenience groups mean that shoppers will be able to spend the cards in their communities, helping to boost the economy and protect jobs.
STP chief officer, Phil Prentice, said: “Convenience stores and their staff have been among those who have been on the frontline supporting their communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“Shopping with them using a Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is another way in which you can express your thanks and show your loyalty for all that they have done and show your support and confidence in them – rebuilding local economies and laying the foundations for a stronger future.”
Brian Straiton, company owned stores operations director at Spar Scotland, said: “As a scheme which supports local businesses and communities it was a no-brainer for us to get behind the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card. It aligns completely with our values.
Shirley MacGillivray, head of communities and membership at Scotmid, said: “At Scotmid, communities are the very reason we exist.
“For over 160 years, Scotmid has worked hand in hand with the communities we serve, helping them prosper and improving everyday lives.
“That’s why we’re supporting the Scotland Loves Local campaign. Knowing that we can all help bring about positive change with the choices we make is embedded in our values.”
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation has also encouraged its members to sign up to the scheme.
Each card can only be spent in the region for which it is branded, making it effectively a form of local currency.
Registering to accept the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is free, with payments processed through the Mastercard network.
STP is working with Perth-based fintech Miconex, which already operates gift card programmes in the UK, Ireland and North America, to deliver the scheme.
For more information, go to www.lovelocal.scot/giftcard.
