Jamie Corkery has been appointed as the new Scotland Loves Local Gift Card ambassador, working alongside over 7,000 existing businesses who are part of the initiative. Jamie told us more about his experience and why businesses should come on board with the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card.
Jamie said: “I finished my international tourism degree at Cardiff just before the pandemic, and began working in the hospitality industry for Pickering’s Gin as a tour guide at their distillery, which is located in Summerhall, the largest independent arts hub in Europe, and also had the chance to work as a tour guide at the oldest Whisky distillery in Scotland, Glenturret Distillery in Crieff, Perthshire. I learnt so much about the drinks industry, tourism and hosted tours for people from all over the world.
“Scotland has so much to offer and I want people to experience it all, so as a tour guide, I’d often recommend additional places for guests to visit across Scotland. While working at the distillery, I also worked part time in a bar, and I’ve seen first-hand some of the challenges that small business owners have faced over the past few years, from the pandemic to the cost of living. My parents also have their own business, so I know how much goes into running a business.
“When I heard about the Scotland Loves Local Gift card ambassador role, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to combine my degree, my love for Scotland, the hospitality experience, and the knowledge I’ve gained from working with small businesses. It’s my goal to help businesses showcase what they do through being a part of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card.
“The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is free for businesses to be a part of and works through their existing payment terminals. The card is like free advertising for a business, encouraging two types of tourism, international and domestic. It shows the recipient what’s local and quality, all within a single card. I’m a people person and I’m looking forward to travelling across Scotland and helping businesses drive footfall and spend through the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card.
“Out of work, Whisky is a big hobby of mine and I enjoy driving around the various distilleries across Scotland – I have a nice Whisky collection developing! I also love cricket and rugby; I’m part of a cricket team and enjoy going to games. I’m based in Edinburgh and have a family Labrador called Brodie.”
Read more about Jamie's appointment in Scottish Financial News: