Dumfries and Galloway Council citizens with an NEC can have sQuid eMoney added to their NEC, enabling them to pay for small value items in addition to accessing public services like concessionary travel, library membership and leisure centre membership.

The sQuid payment service allows users to pay for things at participating outlets electronically from a pre-loaded purse on their card, without the need to carry loose change. This will benefit the community and encourage people to use their local merchants. The transactions can be managed from an online sQuid account, with loading available in-store if required.

Additionally, sQuid plans to expand the card services into other projects such as travel and loyalty schemes, as well as incorporating into cashless catering schemes in local schools in the Dumfries and Galloway area.

Sid Bulloch, manager of the NEC Programme, said: “NEC are happy to see this scheme rolling out across Dumfries and Galloway after the successful implementation in Dundee and are pleased and happy to support this initiative.”

Ivor Hyslop, chair of corporate policy committee and leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “The addition of sQuid eMoney to the National Entitlement Card in Dumfries and Galloway demonstrates a progressive use of the NEC, adding value to our card holders. By extending the use of applications on the NEC we are making life easier for the citizens of Dumfries and Galloway.”