Grants scheme to help soft play and clubs

Soft play centres and nightclubs are to be given grants of up £50,000 to help them cope with the “excep t iona l circumstances” of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unlike other businesses, which have been able to open after lockdown, nightclubs and soft play centres have both had to stay shut as part of efforts to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Some seven months after they closed their doors, the S c o tt i s h Government has announced targeted support via a n ew fund.

Payments of up to £50,000 will be available from the Covid-19 Contingency Fu n d , with grants linked to the rateable value of businesses.

Companies operating across multiple premises will be able to claim one full grant, with grants of up to 75% for subsequent properties.

Business minister Jamie Hepburn said: “We know that nightclubs and soft play centres have been particularly badly hit by this pandemic – unlike the majority of businesses, they have not been allowed to open since March.

“These grants take account of those e x c ep t i on a l circumstances and will provide a boost as we continue to tackle the virus.

“We don’t want any business to remain closed for a day longer than is necessary but public health is paramount.

“Unfortunately we are at a critical point with infection levels rising again and it is not safe to lift restrictions on these activities.”

The minister said local councils would contact businesses in their area directly “to get the information needed to progress their claim”.