BID gift card injects nearly £25k into Kirkwall economy

Nearly £25,000 has been pumped into the local economy since the launch of Kirkwall BID’s gift card in December. 

According the BID, almost 700 of the cards — which can be loaded with any amount between £10 and £500 — have been sold so far.

Laura Bruce of Kirkwall BID explained the thinking behind the gift card, which can be used exclusively at Kirkwall businesses. 

“It’s a  gift card scheme for any occasion year-round,” she said.

“Cards are available to buy online at the moment, and we hope to extend this to select stores in the coming months. With over eighty BID businesses accepting the cards, there’s a huge variety of places you can use yours, from shops to salons to lawyers to restaurants and pubs. 

“The card can be spent bit by bit: you don’t have to spend the balance in one go, it can be used in different businesses for different amounts.  We hope that the cards will become the go-to gift for anyone in Orkney, as they’re keeping the funds in the local economy, which benefits us all.

“We are absolutely delighted with our first month of sales and we’d like to thank everyone who has purchased so far.  Our first month of sales places us as in the top three card sellers for the UK, which smashed all our expectations, and is a real achievement for a small town.  I think this shows that people appreciate that we need to Keep the Heart in Kirkwall.”

The launch took place amidst the peak events season for Kirkwall BID, following the hugely popular carousel visit for the Big BID Day Out in November, the Most Beautiful High Street in Scotland Award win and various festive activities. 

BID manager Kelly Kirkness said: “We’ve had a fantastic year, with lots going on. 

“None of it would be possible without the support of our volunteer Board of Directors, all local business folk from every sector.  We have some good new ideas for 2020, and look forward to continuing supporting businesses in the BID area.”

Kirkwall BID  would like to encourage any local business owners or managers to get in touch if they’d like to be involved in the projects for 2020 as a director or as part of the events committee.

For more information or to purchase a Kirkwall Gift Card, you can visit www.kirkwallgiftcard.co.uk