A Shotts dairy has called on the public to support local businesses as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Thomson Dairies has continued to service the public throughout lockdown and saw the benefit of locals opting to sticking with companies in the area during the pandemic.

The company’s managing director William Thomson said: “Shopping local plays a major part in supporting local businesses and the local economy.

“During the pandemic, it was predominantly local food suppliers that people turned to for support and products, whilst there were three to four weeks waiting lists at supermarkets.

“Also by shopping local, you are buying locally-sourced products, of a high quality, Scottish, free range or organic with a lot less food miles.

“This has been unchartered waters for everyone.

“What it has done though has really highlighted the local spirit and support people have in helping each other, and also that there are other options available in shopping and buying habits.

“The benefits we have seen by people shopping local with ourselves it has allowed us to employ people locally and reinvest in the local area, sponsoring local sports teams, helping charities and so on.”

The company, which moved from its base in Wishaw to a new depot in the town two years ago, were inundated with requests to deliver from far and wide with even desperate members of the public asking to deliver down south.

Mr Thomson added: “We have employed over 16 additional staff members since coronavirus.

“We have put on an extra five vans on the road and increased our customer base by over 5000 additional customers.

“We are proud to work direct with the farmers to ensure the Scottish dairy industry is benefiting also instead of the big supermarkets, or imported mass produced food products.

“We also had to add on additional suppliers including local butchers, dairy farmers and so on so it’s been good for us.”