SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed the news that 2,170 business properties in the Western Isles received £5.8 million worth of non-domestic rates relief in 2024, thanks to the SNP Scottish Government.  

Scottish Government schemes, like the Small Business Bonus Scheme, can offer eligible organisations up to 100% rates relief - with 1,900 organisations in the Western Isles being lifted out of paying non-domestic rates all together.

Alasdair Allan reiterated the value the Scottish Government places on smaller, island business and organisations, and commented:

“I welcome the news that so many organisations in the Western Isles have received rates relief in 2024, thanks to SNP policies. 

“This includes 100% rates relief for 1,900 eligible small businesses and organisations in Western Isles.

"Scotland's rates relief policies are the most generous anywhere in the UK, with over 95% of non-domestic properties in Scotland expected to pay less property tax than elsewhere in the UK, and over 100,000 taken out of paying rates altogether in 2025-26.

“At a time when businesses are struggling, the substantial level of rates relief offered in Scotland will be a lifeline for many small businesses and organisations in Western Isles,"