As we approach the festive season, any loose change people have jingling in their pockets is precious.
With presents, dinners and nights out to pay for, the added stress of trying to make your money go further is stark for many.
Plenty of retailers, restaurants and bars will present consumers with the best of their deals, but there’s one industry where that often isn’t the case.
The transport sector in Scotland, particularly public transport, often comes under fire from customers and commentators alike for the service it provides.
Particularly in this day and age, with the rising cost of train and bus fares, walking, cycling, driving, or even grabbing a taxi, is becoming a more appealing and cost-effective option for those looking to get around.
While this is not always great for the environment, people are thinking about their bank balance and taking matters into their own hands.
Christmas time, therefore, should be the ideal opportunity for public transport providers to flip the script and offer special prices to people looking to hit the shops and enjoy the festivities out and about over the coming months.
Why this ‘deal culture’ isn’t the norm and hasn’t properly extended itself to this area of our economy feels like a huge opportunity being missed.
Reduced travel costs would pass on the benefit to towns and cities across the country as people are more likely to head out and spend their ‘hard-earned’ on the streets rather than online.
Not to mention, it is a boon for environmental targets as governments and councils across the land continue to strive for Net Zero targets, while continuing to keep communities connected.
While service providers such as ScotRail and SPT are tied up in government legislation and policy, it’s been heartening to see Aberdeen-based bus company, First Bus, trying something a little different.
Last week, First provided free return travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities on Remembrance Sunday and, today, Armistice Day.
This small case study shows what can be achieved when a private firm takes innovative steps to make its services more appealing by giving back to specific communities.
I say, why not extend that over the festive period?
The timing couldn’t be better to, not only boost local economies, but allow public transport services to show punters that the ‘bus is no fuss’ or demonstrate that the ‘train can take the strain’.
In other related news last week, October saw footfall rise across Scottish retail a small but significant 0.8 per cent year-on-year, given the picture across the UK as a whole shows a downturn.
This is a welcome trend and one which retailers and transport services, whether private or publicly-owned, should be jumping on and seizing.
While sales are “essentially static”, according to reports, that will no doubt rise in the run up to the big day itself, just over six weeks away now.
That picture will be the same for the public transport sector, too, and, while this may be idealistic of me, I’d like to think there’s plans to pass on savings to customers.
ScotRail, for example, to their credit, do have special Christmas prices for kids and those travelling in groups, so surely this could be extended further? SPT, who operates Glasgow’s subway among other routes, is also offering deals on park and ride tickets.
The tide is changing slowly, but public transport needs to get with the new timetable and catch up with the rest of society as consumer habits change at a rapid pace.
After all, it’s in their interest that people continue to shop in the flesh rather than behind a screen. Something that’s becoming less and less commonplace as Christmases go by.
Of course, they aren’t the only culprits that are making it harder for people to hit the high street, with parking restrictions and charges becoming more severe as the years go by, but a small gesture of goodwill from public transport companies could go a long way.
After all, isn’t that what this time of year is all about?
Glasgow coffee culture crowned global champion
The growing number of ‘cofficianados’ cultivating in Glasgow is staggering, with independent roasteries brewing up a storm when it comes to serving up a great cup of joe.
Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise when one such mill was named as the “best in the world” by leading industry trade publication, Roast Magazine.
Dear Green Coffee Roasters, which is based in Glasgow’s east end, saw off competitors from around the world to secure top spot and is the first European roastery to win the coveted title.
Staggeringly, the firm produced more than 98,000 pounds of coffee in 2023 with a team of just ten.
In the words of owner Lisa Lawson, the award demonstrates how a “small-scale operation can have a big impact on the world”.
But it’s not just Dear Green which is helping to fuel the city’s coffee craze.
Caffeine lovers will soon be able to get their hands on what has been dubbed “the world’s most hyped coffee” from Thomson’s in Giffnock.
‘El Socorro Washed Geisha’ will soon be available at the southside roastery, and it’s created a real buzz among coffee fans keen to sample the global sensation.
It perfectly demonstrates Glasgow’s embrace of unique, high-end coffee experiences, from specialty tastings to cafes that champion slow-brew methods and ethical sourcing.
It’s a great niche for the city– and I’m espresso-ing how excited I am to see the city’s coffee culture continue to climb to new heights!
It Made Me Laugh
Udderly brilliant brand campaign
Moo-ve over Kirstie and Phil – there is a new udderly brilliant presenting duo in town.
The owner of Ayrshire’s Mossgiel Farm, Bryce Cunningham, has teamed up with Scotland’s Home of the Year presenter Danny Campbell to create a hilarious ‘Location, Location, Location’ spoof.
The video was released to mark the launch of the farm’s crowdfunding campaign, which aims to raise more than £300,000 to build a new zero-waste facility and double production capacity.
And it’s certainly caught the eye of architectural and agricultural enthusiasts alike, racking up thousands of views online.
It’s a masterclass in using social media to bolster powerful brand messaging in a fun and creative way.
Just like the cows themselves, they are outstanding in their field!
It Made Me Weep
Funding freeze thwarts Perth’s future
I was disappointed to hear Perth’s promised £5m of Levelling Up funding has been withdrawn by the UK Government.
Councillors in the city had hoped to use the cash to create new visitor attractions and retail spaces as part of wider regeneration plans.
However, the new Labour Government has backed down on the Tories’ previous pledge, with the Scottish Secretary set to write to the local authority to confirm the new funding levels in the near future.
The move has been described as “short-sighted” by councillors, and I can’t help but agree.
It is a huge setback for the local economy, and I hope the Government rethinks the decision and recognises the value of investing in this bustling city.
