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Highland marine tourism operators need urgent help says MSP


By Louise Glen

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MSP Rhoda Grant
MSP Rhoda Grant

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, today pressed the cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism, Fergus Ewing, to get funding out more quickly to marine tourism businesses.

Due to the generally 'zero' rateable value for vessels operating in the industry, the businesses have so far not been granted any financial help to mitigate against Covid-19 restrictions.

During topical questions in parliament today Mrs Grant asked “Marine tourism misses out because boats don’t have rateable values. I understand some funding has been announced and this is welcome but the fund hasn’t yet opened and discretionary funding that is available to local authorities is also failing to meet those desperately in need.

"They can’t wait any longer, these businesses will fail if they don’t get funding immediately. What can the cabinet secretary do to get them immediate help so those marine businesses can survive?”

Mr Ewing agreed that it was absolutely correct to say that many businesses are facing real financial pressure and acknowledged the marine tourism industry is facing real difficulties.

The cabinet secretary said he absolutely accepts that the speed of dispatch of funds is extremely important and that himself and his officials were working to finalise the schemes, working with industry, to get money out to people who need it and that is the absolute priority.

Commenting afterwards Mrs Grant said: “While the Cabinet Secretary conceded that the marine tourism industry is facing real difficulties, he did not commit to doing more to help them and he failed to grasp the fundamental point that, as things stand, without a rateable value, many marine businesses can’t get help.

“If these businesses fail it’s not only the proprietors who will be set to lose everything, but their employees will also be out of jobs.

Mrs Grant added: “Everyone knows how reliant the Highlands and Islands are on tourism income which has all but completely dried up since lockdown last March.

“Business owners are being pushed to the limit to keep operating and are in a dire situation. I share their fears and will continue to do everything in my power to protect this industry and to press Scottish Canals and government to get help out to these businesses as soon as they possibly can.”

Read more about Rhoda Grant.


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