NEARLY £5 MILLION OF CASH SUPPORT DISTRIBUTED TO ISLAND BUSINESSES SO FAR

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed new figures showing that 423 businesses in the Western Isles have received Scottish Government grants to support firms through the coronavirus crisis.

A total of £4.79 million has been awarded in the Western Isles through a Scottish Government scheme to support small businesses and the retail, hospitality and leisure sector.

This grant support is worth over £1 billion to business in Scotland, and is part of the wider business support package worth £2.3 billion.

So that funding can be distributed as quickly as possible, eligibility for the grant scheme is linked to the non-domestic rates system.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“This is a very difficult time for businesses.

“This Scottish Government funding is designed to support firms and ensure that our economy is on the best possible footing when we get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Scottish Government support for business is now worth £2.3 billion, which is more than was received from the UK Government and actively works to fill the gaps in the UK schemes with tailored support for the Scottish economy. Support for the seafood sector is a crucial example of this.

“I encourage all island businesses to ensure they are receiving the support they’re entitled to.”