26 June
Cllr Susan Manion centre, with council officers Nairn Pearson and Alice Mitchell in Armadale town centre

The council is supporting the national awareness campaign, which aims to shine the spotlight on and support our local independent businesses and retailers.

Across West Lothian, there are a significant number and diverse range of independent businesses and retailers located within our traditional town centres of Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn and Uphall, Linlithgow, Whitburn as well as local villages. 

Independents account for around 65% of the approximate total of 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and are at the heart of local communities throughout the country. 

Executive councillor for economy, community empowerment and wealth building Susan Manion said: "West Lothian is fortunate to have a huge range of excellent local businesses, so please consider giving them your support this Independents Day weekend, 4 and 5 July 2025.

"Independent business can offer more than a chain or franchise, such as unique products or personal quality of service for customers.

"Any money you spend in an independent business is more likely to stay in West Lothian, so it also helps maintain jobs and boost the local economy.

"Whether it's using a regular local favourite again, or trying a local independent business you've never visited before, please give our wonderful independent businesses your support over the Independent's Day weekend in July."

West Lothian Council offers support to local independent traders and businesses is through the shop front improvement grant scheme. The council-funded initiative offers our high street and local businesses the opportunity to apply for one-off grants of up to £750, to assist with external improvements, subject to applications meeting the scheme eligibility and criteria.

Any interested local businesses/retailers can find more information on the shop front improvement scheme grant at Shop Front Improvement Grants

West Lothian Council's Economic Development service also provide a full range of assistance and support to local businesses and individuals. For more details, please visit Information and Support for Businesses