An independent Inverness retailer now in its 160th year has praised the Inverness City Centre Gift Card scheme for helping drive spending into local businesses.
Family owned Begg Shoes, which operates two stores in the city centre, says the initiative has been a real benefit for businesses trading on the high street.
The long established retailer is one of 179 businesses that accept the Inverness City Centre Gift Card, a scheme supported by Inverness BID.
Begg Shoes is now in its sixth generation of family ownership and operates ten stores across the north of Scotland.
In Inverness the business runs shops on Union Street and the High Street and remains a familiar name on the city’s retail landscape.
The Inverness City Centre Gift Card was introduced in 2022 as part of efforts to encourage people to spend locally and support independent businesses.
Since its launch more than £200,000 worth of cards have been sold.
Arran McAleer from Begg Shoes said the scheme has helped reinforce the importance of supporting local businesses.
“We are now in our sixth generation, with ten stores mainly across the North of Scotland, including two in Inverness on Union Street and the High Street.
“The business has evolved significantly over the past 160 years, but we still place huge value on the in store experience, especially at a time when online shopping brings additional challenges for the high street.
“We were delighted to join the Inverness City Centre Gift Card scheme.
“It’s incredibly easy to use and a great way for people to support local businesses.
“We always encourage people to shop locally because of the quality of care, great products and personal service.
“When people support local shops, they’re supporting the local economy, protecting jobs and helping keep our city centre vibrant as well as keeping money circulating within our local community.
“Our customers come to us looking for shoes that fit well and feel comfortable, so it’s fantastic that they can spend their Inverness City Centre Gift Card on something they genuinely need while also helping us all to support each other.
“We really value that support.”
Inverness BID says the gift card scheme has grown steadily since it was launched and now forms part of the wider effort to support the city centre economy.
Margaret Laws from Inverness BID said the card offers people an easy way to support local businesses while giving shoppers flexibility.
“It’s never been easier to shop local.
“The Inverness City Centre Gift Card is a fantastic way for people to support local businesses while still giving the recipient real choice.”
“It’s also a great option for those who are environmentally conscious, for those tricky to buy for friends or family members, and for people who love Inverness and want to support their local community.”
To make the scheme even more accessible a new self service kiosk was installed at the Eastgate Centre in 2025.
Located near the Falcon Square entrance beside Burger King, the machine allows shoppers to quickly purchase a gift card while visiting the city centre.
The Inverness City Centre Gift Card is part of the multi award winning Town and City Gift Card programme developed by fintech company Miconex.
