Government’s finance chief says businesses struggling due to rules can claim for support

Businesses in the Highlands and north-east that stay open but still suffer losses due to the new pandemic rules can claim for small government support grants.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said the hardship grant fund will sit alongside support for firms in the central belt that have had to close their doors until October 26.

The Scott ish Government has announced a £40 million package to help businesses through the latest phase of the pandemic, including the £ 20m grant fund administered by councils.

It comes after grants for hospitality firms forced to close in Aberdeen’s August lockdown were doubled on Thursday night to be brought in line with those available further south.

But some business leaders have said the cash should have come sooner, with Brew Dog bosses calling it “a drop in the ocean” and an Aberdeen hospitality spokesman saying some may be “too far gone” to benefit.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme on Friday, Ms Forbes said she wants to ensure businesses receive the money “as quickly as possible”.

She said the first part of the £20m fund will provide grants of £2,000 or £3,000 per premises to hospitality firms forced to close in the central belt.

Ms Forbes added: “The second element, though, is quite important and it’s not replicated elsewhere.

“It’s businesses that are seeing reduced trade – they’ve had an impact but they’re not required in law to close.”

She said those businesses can claim £ 1,000 or £ 1,500 per premises.

Applications are due to open on council websites on Tuesday.

Aberdeen Hospitality Together spokesman Stuart McPhee said of the extra £ 1,500: “It may have a positive impact for some businesses but others might be too far gone and it won’t make the slightest difference.”