Rates rise could force stables out of business
A 53 per cent hike could end 45 years
The owner of a family- run horse riding stables in West Lothian fears that she may be forced out of business after her rates were increased by 53 per cent.
Elizabeth Comrie has run Houston Farm Riding School near Dechmont for 45 years but says she will not be able to continue if her new business rates aren’t lowered.
She said: “We’ve been here for 55 years and a full-time riding school for 45 years which is a life-time for some folks.
“I’m only 75, I don’t want to retire. The rates rise is just sickening to be honest but I’m going to keep fighting.”
The stables employ 12 people and looks after 56 horses, including 14 horses that no longer work but “are family”.
Elizabeth says her riding school is a community, with generations of riders from the same families using the school which also helps disadvantaged children and kids suffering with health conditions.
She added: “We have got a lot of autistic children who come here, kids with cerebral palsy and this is where they want to be. It’s like an escape.”
Pamela Davidson, a volunteer at the stables, has been bringing her daughter to the riding school for a couple of years.
She said: “My daughter has learning difficulties and she loves coming here. Lily didn’t speak when she first came here and now she talks and plays.
“It just brings so much joy and it’s made such a difference in Lily’s life.”
Volunteers and riders at the stables have started a petition Save Houston Farm Riding School which is addressed to Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop and has over 2600 signatures.
Fiona Hyslop MSP was visited by the Comries and said: “I was more than happy to (help) as the special and specialised service they provide the community is invaluable.
“The first thing they and any business concerned about the independent rates re-evaluation need to do is to appeal. I am also writing to West Lothian Council on their behalf to urge the council to use the powers they have to provide localised rates relief.”
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said that the council must collect rates based on the assessment of the Lothian Valuation Joint Board (LVJB).
They said: “This assessment has nothing to do with West Lothian Council, and we have no influence or discretion over it.”
They added that they had been in touch with stables to see if they could offer help in other areas.
A spokesperson for the LVJB said: “Any ratepayer who is concerned about the Rateable Value should contact their local Assessor in order for discussions to take place.”