Increases forced nursery operator to close branch

A north-east nursery boss forced to close one of his facilities due to rates rises of more than 50% has cautiously welcomed the Scottish Government announcement.

Graham Mogford, director of the Bridges nursery, had to shut his Westhill branch in June after his two sites had an increase in the rateable value on each of his properties from £65,000 to £112,000.

Mr Mogford complained that special relief had been put in place for neighbouring businesses, often multinational oil companies, but not for his nursery firm.

Last night finance secretary Derek MacKay announced that he would be introducing a 100% cap on any rates rises for nurseries following the Barclay Review recommendations.

Mr Mogford said that although the news was welcome he had still had to shell out thousands extra until April 1 when the relief is put in place. He said: “There is no doubt at all that without papers like the Press and Journal raising this issue that it would all have been swept under the carpet.”

Graham Mogford had to shell out thousands extra