The data found that an increase in empty shops and premises (60%) and job losses in the local economy (49%) top the Scottish concerns about their towns.

Nevertheless, Scottish consumers are determined to play their part in supporting their local businesses with 81% of Scots shopping as frequently or more frequently with small businesses since lockdown lifted and 63% admitting they could personally do more to support small businesses by shopping locally, either in person or online.

However, the data has found that UK small businesses remain cautiously optimistic about the future, with over half (53%) confident they will bounce back over the next year. Over one in five (22%) small business owners are not confident about the future.

The research also revealed that half (46%) of UK small business owners say that if everyone in their local community spent just £5 extra a week with small businesses either on or offline, it would help them to survive in the long term.

To give local communities a boost at this critical time, Visa is partnering with Totally Locally, a grassroots initiative offering free Town Kits to small business owners and community groups looking to work together to protect the future of independent high streets.

Together they are encouraging small business owners to sign up to ‘Fiver Fest’, a two week celebration of small businesses and local communities. From 10th to 24th October, towns across the county will be coming together to host £5 special offers, thanking their communities for supporting the local high street.

 With over half of consumers (58%) saying they could spend £5 extra a week with small businesses, Totally Locally and Visa are calling on consumers to make a change to their spending habits and shop locally where they can.

Dominic White, head of merchants and acquirers at Visa, said: “We know that 2020 has been exceptionally challenging for small businesses so we’re doubling down on our commitment of support. Visa is proud to work with Totally Locally in its mission to bring communities together, and we encourage all small businesses to sign up to Fiver Fest ahead of 10th October. The next three months will be such an important period for small businesses, so we are urging the nation to back the spirit of Fiver Fest and shop local, either online or offline, to help communities recover.”

Chris Sands, founder of Totally Locally, added: “We’re pleased to see how Fiver Fest has grown over the past couple of years and we hope that through the partnership with Visa more consumers and businesses will be a part of it than ever before. It may not feel like a big contribution but that’s why we say just diverting £5 a week to small businesses will make a huge difference. If we all make this small change in our spending habits, it will go a long way to reviving our communities.”