COWDENBEATH MSP Anabelle Ewing supported the weekend’s Small Business Saturday – which was geared to encouraging people to shop locally and support their local businesses - visiting a range of small businesses across her constituency.

Ms Ewing was in Cowdenbeath, Kelty and Cardenden as part of her tour.

Speaking after she had also visited businesses in Inverkeithing and Rosyth, Ms Ewing said: “First up on the constituency tour was a meeting Ross Montignani Signs, in Cardenden.

"Ross has had the business for 5 years now and says it's going well. He used to build small models and sign writing, working for a sign company for just over 8 years before becoming self-employed. He had an amazing array of bespoke stock cars for children.

“Next, I met up with Jim Halkett, of Halkett Butchers, in Kelty.

"Jim's very busy business has been going for 36 years now when he took it over from being part of a chain. Jim sells an amazing range of products, including his delicious Bombay Curry, Chicken Kievs and meatballs plus fresh veg and marinades. He says he is very well supported by a great community, which is brilliant to hear.

“My third visit of the day was to meet Jill Brock at Badgers Kilts in Cowdenbeath. The shop has been open now for 16 years and has a wide range of items available including dresses, bags and jewellery. Jill told me that the rates relief was a great thing and that a lot of businesses wouldn't be here without it. Providing the sort of personal service that sets small businesses apart from the big chains, Jill goes out of her way to help her customers, including last minute orders".

It was on to Inverkeithing meet Mary Farrell and Jane Francis at Maker in Inverkeithing, an artist-run community interest business then dropping in to the Yellow Cafe in Rosyth run Ewen and Megan Brand.

“I rounded the day off with a quick visit to see Caroline at Kassy's Kitchen in Cowdenbeath. They only opened the new cafe at the north end in May this year but the business is going well. A bright and cheery cafe, with a varied menu, friendly staff and very child-friendly space.

“There is a great range of small businesses right across the Cowdenbeath constituency, I was really pleased to be able to take the opportunity of Small Business Saturday to highlight just a few of them. Small business are an extremely important part of our communities and they deserve our support.”