Kirkcaldy Gift Card launched in new shop local campaign

The Lang Toun branded gift card is a pre-paid Mastercard which can be loaded with any amount from £5 to £500 to encourage local spending.

The drive is now on to get local businesses to sign up and share the benefits.

Kirkcaldy is one of several towns which has signed up to run its own gift card - Aberdeen, and Falkirk are also on board.

The technology behind it was developed by Perth based company, Miconex, which has teamed up with Fife Council to bring it to the Lang Toun.

The gift card is valid for 12 months and can be redeemed on everything from coffee to carpets.

Councillor Neil Crooks, convener of Kirkcaldy area committee, welcomed the initiative - the latest development designed to drive the town’s High Street out of lockdown.

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He said: "For years businesses and the public have talked about developing the Kirkcaldy pound and the Kirkcaldy Gift Card is a take on that.

“Buying one for any occasion is a great way to help keep spend local while supporting local businesses, jobs and the economy.

“Every gift card purchased and redeemed matters in supporting the town, so as well as encouraging people to buy the gift card as a personal gift.”

He also encouraged employers across the area to consider the gift card as an option for employee rewards.

Mr Crooks added: “Kirkcaldy is continuing to develop and despite recent challenges, we have a lot of new businesses opening adding to long-standing firm favourites.

“Over 40 per cent of our businesses are independent and many are award winners, so the Kirkcaldy gift card is a great way to gift all the town centre has to offer in one handy card.”

Colin Munro, managing director of Miconex, said the Lang Toun was ideally suited to the initiative

He added: “When you receive a Kirkcaldy Gift Card, the first thing you do is see where it can be redeemed, which opens businesses up to a new revenue stream but also to new customers. Giving a Kirkcaldy Gift Card supports local businesses that really need our help this year.”

The gift card can be purchased at www.kirkcaldygiftcard.com

Businesses interested in becoming part of the programme can contact Hazel Cross at [email protected]

Since lockdown, Kirkcaldy town centre has seen a rise in footfall, and a number of new independent businesses move into empty units.

The town centre’s cafe quarter has also exploded with several new businesses opening their doors and becoming instant hits with shoppers and residents alike.

Love Oor Lang Toun, the new community interest company, and Greener Kirkcaldy are also spearheading a number of initiatives to drive the ‘shop local’ message including the launch of ShopAppy

LOLT is also part of a Christmas campaign with OnFife to shine some festive cheer on the town after a tough nine months in lockdown

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