Highland MSP demands clarity from the Scottish Government over the lack of B&B support
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Highland MSP Edward Mountain has hit out at the Scottish Government for failing to deliver on promises to provide hard-pressed local B&B owners with an update on a package of support.
Hundreds of B&Bs across north have contacted Mr Mountain over the weekend to express their frustration not just at what they claim is the Scottish Government’s lack of support but also lack of information.
The government was due to announce new financial support for small businesses operating without business bank accounts at the end of last week, however, the launching of this support did not take place as originally planned.
That is after many B&Bs complained they had no need for an expensive business account which sparked Mr Mountain’s Help Our B&Bs campaign to force the government to change track as it was considered unfair.
Last Friday, the cabinet secretary for economy, fair work and culture announced: “We are also working with local authorities to support small businesses who are not on the rates system and were not eligible for the hardship fund scheme, solely because they did not have a business bank account.
“ Further detail on these arrangements will be set out later this week.”
That promise of support had given many Highland B&Bs without business bank accounts fresh hope after they were excluded from the creative, tourism and hospitality enterprise hardship fund, which has now closed.
Mr Mountain criticised the government for promising a solution at the end of last week but then leaving small B&Bs in the dark over the weekend.
He said: “Our Highland B&Bs deserve better than this. These businesses have no income without a summer tourist season and they have waited long enough for lifeline support.
“Hundreds of struggling Highland B&Bs need the Scottish Government to deliver on the promises of support that were meant to be set out last week.
“There is no time for more delay. The Scottish Government must stop dithering and deliver for our B&Bs as a matter of urgency.”
The Scottish Government has been asked for comment.
