Scottish Government announces £185m targeted support package for businesses

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes yesterday (Wednesday 9 December 2020) announced a new £185 million support package which will offer targeted COVID-19 support for businesses across Scotland. Following discussions with various business groups, the support package will benefit a wide range of sectors, from taxi drivers and arts venues to travel agents and hospitality.

As part of the support, £60 million will be provided to the tourism sector, details of which will be developed in consultation with the industry. Other specific support detailed in the announcement includes:

• £15 million for the wedding sector and its supply chain, including photographers

• one-off grants totalling £15 million for mobile close contact services, such as hairdressers

• a £19 million fund and one-off grants for taxi drivers

• £5 million for travel agents

• almost £6 million for coach companies and tour operators

• £1.5 million for visitor attractions

In addition, there will be additional one-off payments of £2,000 or £3,000, determined by the rateable value (RV), to hospitality businesses in January to help them deal with the traditional post-Christmas dip in demand.

Businesses will be able to apply for all the new grant schemes in January 2021. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available in the coming days.

If you have any queries regarding the above, or would like to discuss your circumstances, please get in touch with one of our team by calling one of our offices.