This year’s figure brings the cumulative amount raised since the first report was published in 2016 to £92m.

Hundreds of charities, good causes and community groups from across Scotland have benefitted; together with support for Children in Need, Poppy Scotland, and other events.

The report demonstrates how 52 leading Scottish retail brands are making a difference in communities across the nation. Alongside raising and donating money, retailers have collaboratively delivered projects, provided surplus food donations, promoted government public information campaigns, and supported volunteering.

According to the report, a total of £92mhas been raised for Good Causes Since 2016 by Scottish retailers. Direct donations by Scottish retailers were worth over £10.1m to Scottish Charities in 2021. The report also revealed that 900,000 volunteer hours were donated to charity or community work by Scottish retailers last year and over 4 million meals were donated.

John Brodie, Scottish Retail Consortium chairman, said: “Despite the immense pressure on retailers and the economy last year our industry continues to play its part in supporting Scottish communities. It’s not just donating and raising over £16 million, but the partnerships, the time volunteering, the opportunity for charities to speak with customers, and all the other support provided by the retail industry to good causes across Scotland. At a local and national level our Members are playing their part in supporting Scottish communities.

“This report demonstrates the values that make retail such a crucial part of Scottish society. These are not businesses who only care about the bottom line; but recognise their wider responsibility to society and want to deliver for customers and colleagues. Despite the challenges facing both the industry and the wider economy, the retail industry continues to fundraise, volunteer, assist, and provide facilities to make a real difference to communities across Scotland.”

Tom Arthur, MSP, Scottish Government public finance minister, added: “Scotland’s retailers and their staff have already gone above and beyond delivering lifeline services and goods to customers and local communities throughout the pandemic. In addition, they have raised millions of pounds for good causes, helping make a further difference to those most in need.”