Saltire scheme may follow Shamrock loyalty initiative
Scottish politicians are considering a loyalty points scheme to reward the purchase of Scots produce in corner shops and supermarkets. 
The proposal put forward by Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) MSP Aileen Campbell for a “Saltire” label is based on a similar “Shamrock” scheme in Ireland which sees receipts marked with Shamrocks next to purchases of Irish produce and supermarkets and stores offering loyalty points specifically for purchases of “Shamrock” items.
Campbell is proposing the scheme as a means of encouraging shoppers to purchase Scottish produce, to support our farmers and food producers and to cut food miles.
Speaking ahead of SNP Conference, which will debate the proposal on Friday South of Scotland MSP Campbell said: “Scottish produce is some of the best in the world and we are seeing increasing efforts by supermarkets and grocers to stock locally produced food.
“As we feel the impact of the UK recession offering rewards for the purchase of Scottish produce could help keep shoppers focussed on buying Scotland’s best and support Scotland’s farmers and food producers through difficult times.
“Introducing a further incentive to buy local could be a real shot in the arm for Scotland’s farmers. Just like the Shamrock in Ireland, a Saltire on the shelves and then on the till receipt would emphasise how easy and important it is to buy decent local produce and reward shoppers in the process.”
She added that, with food producers supporting Scotland’s Homecoming and increasing emphasis on the quality that comes with much Scottish produce the time is right to reward shoppers and producers through this scheme.
She said: “We need to make full use of Scotland’s magnificent larder if we are to promote health eating, cut food miles and boost the economy during this downturn.”