New Tory leader pops by Perth businesses
New Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross paid a visit to Perth last week.
The MP for Moray was visiting businesses who had benefited from the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Among them was Grand Italia on George Street, where he chatted with Mario Diana.
He was joined by Murdo Fraser MSP and Cllr Chris Ahern.
Mr Ross said: “I was delighted to be in the heart of Perth city centre, hearing from businesses who have benefitted from the wide ranging support put in place from the UK Government.
“The Eat Out To Help Out Scheme was a real shot in the arm for our hospitality businesses like Grand Italia, at the time they needed it most, with the added bonus of a VAT cut to January being announced by the chancellor.
“We need to continue to support our businesses in our high streets, which is why I put a town centre rescue plan at the heart of my plan to power up Scotland.”
Almost 250,000 discounted meals were claimed in the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme in the two parliamentary constituencies covering Perth and Kinross.
Both constituencies had 175 bars and restaurants take part with nearly £1.5 million claimed back across both constituencies.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: “It was great to join Douglas Ross as he visited Perth and hear directly from businesses on the support they have received during this unprecedented crisis.
“The UK Government has stepped up to support our businesses as well as giving extra money to our local authorities, to get support to those who needed it most.
“We need to see the same sort of urgency from the SNP government to help drive forward an economic recovery, in the
Perthshire area, with their plans currently lacking in any great detail.”
But Perth’s SNP MP Pete Wishart was less impressed with the visit and said the UK Government needs to extend the furlough scheme.
He told the PA: “I am certain that one of the things Douglas Ross will take back to his colleagues in London following his short visit to Perth will be that businesses need the furlough scheme to be extended.
“The premature ending of the scheme will be the single biggest risk to the future of many businesses across Perthshire.
“Countries like France and Germany have extended their versions of the furlough scheme for 24 months and the scheme in Ireland is set to run for a year.
“I would urge Mr Ross to continue to plead with his Conservative colleagues to extend the scheme in the UK.”