Ministers urged to back rescue package for struggling Granite City firms after local lockdown

Aberdeen’s culture and hospitality venues must become a priority for additional Scottish Government funding, or more businesses in the city will be forced to close their doors permanently, MSPs have been told.

North East MSP Liam Kerr has called for urgent action to support the city because initial funding spread across Scotland is “too little, too late”.

Ministers imposed a five-mile travel limit and the closure of all hospitality venues last month following a coronavirus outbreak linked to the city’s pubs and bars but drew the ire of local council leaders over how long restrictions remained in place.

In a fiery exchange with Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop, the Conservative MSP claimed the government had disregarded the effects of a second lockdown in Aberdeen, urging them to protect the city’s economy.

“What is clear is that this funding is both too little and too late for the first city in Scotland to contend with a second lockdown,” Mr Kerr said.

Ms Hyslop pointed to a £15 million cultural organisations and venues recovery fund and said: “That’s getting the money to cultural organisations and I think the people are very grateful for the efforts that have been made.

“It’s tough. It’s difficult for everyone but I would hope that he would encourage the UK Government to think about the other sectors, the events sector in particular, that cannot open any time soon and ensure they think about providing additional funds.”