SCOTTISH shoppers are being urged to give local firms a boost by supporting their hard-pressed high streets and city centres on the busiest shopping weekend of the year.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) wants Scots to get behind Small Business Saturday on 7 December, by exploring their town centres and using independent shops, bars and restaurants.

Scottish policy convenor Andy Willox said: "If we all use the busiest shopping weekend of the year to support independent enterprises, we can give them a real boost while introducing shoppers to great local businesses."