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Moray MSP Richard Lochhead discusses coronavirus challenges with Forres businesses


By Jonathan Clark

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MORAY'S MSP met with several Forres businesses last week to discuss the challenges they are facing during the coronavirus pandemic.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead visited Mackenzie and Cruickshanks, before popping into Café Fika and Macbeth’s Butcher on Tolbooth Street.

Mr Lochhead said it was good to hear about the steps businesses have taken to reopen after lockdown.

Peter Wilson, owner of Mackenzie and Cruickshank, said: "Richard spoke to me at the start of lockdown because we were concerned we hadn't been able to open while other places selling plants had.

Mr Lochhead also visited Mackenzie and Cruickshank, where he met Peter Wilson (pictured, left).
Mr Lochhead also visited Mackenzie and Cruickshank, where he met Peter Wilson (pictured, left).

"As a result of those conversations, he came down recently to have a look at how we are getting on.

"It has been good. The garden centre trade has been lucky – one because we were able to open quite early, at end of May and, two, because people have got time to enjoy their gardens."

Mr Lochhead was pleased to get out and about to find out what businesses have been doing to reopen safely.

“It has been an incredibly challenging few months for small businesses in Forres and across Moray," he said.

“I really enjoyed getting out and about in Forres and catching up with some local businesses that have now reopened.

"Although the doors are open, it isn’t business as usual and it was good to hear about the steps that businesses are taking to keep their staff and customers safe.

“Thankfully for many, business is now starting to pick up again and there has been a lot of support from loyal customers who are keen to do their bit to shop local.

"Of course lockdown also meant many Moray businesses turned to online trading to help get them through and I’m sure for some, this new way of doing business will be here to stay.

“Supporting our local businesses and our high street is absolutely essential for the recovery of Moray’s economy and I would encourage folks to back our fantastic local shops as much as possible.”

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