The High Street problem

A bit of coverage and discussion on radio this morning about the "High Street" and whether supermarkets have had their day.  I was amazed to hear someone praising the wonderful variety of local shops in Crieff, a town I visit regularly and  whose main street I find sad, despite some beautiful buildings and lively cafes. When on the mainland we live virtually equidistant (3/4 miles) from two Lanarkshire towns; I use one town centre for hairdressing appointments and the other for the library; that's all.  Weeks can go past without my visiting either town. Why? Well it's not to do with food shopping; we use the major supermarkets and top up in the village.  It is the fact that with the exception of an outdated branch of Boots in one and also a small W H Smith, neither town contains a shop I use. I shouldn't think I am alone. With the City 20 minutes away by train, those who have some disposable income which could benefit the local economy have no M&S, John Lewis, Next, Zara, Cos, Frasers  or even an H&M to spend it in and a decent coffee shop in which to pause a while.  If you don't shop in charity shops, chain card shops or New Look and mobile phone stores, and if you are on a diet and don't dare enter the miraculous local bakers, the local High Streets have little chance of luring you to park up  and come to buy at the greengrocer's or butcher's.  It's a problem which seems to have defeated even Queen of Shops, Mary Portas, so what do we do? How can I support local economies if I have nowhere to shop there?