Skip to main content
Site logo

Main navigation

  • About Us
  • Join Us
  • News
  • People
  • Get Involved
  • Campaigns
  • Contact
  • Western Isles
Site logo

Highland B&Bs left waiting for lifeline support as new fund is delayed

  • Tweet
Thursday, 25 February, 2021
  • Local News
Edward Mountain MSP

Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain MSP today called on the SNP Government to stop dragging their feet and open registrations for a £7 million fund to support B&Bs and self-catering properties.

The new scheme was due to open in mid-February after being announced on 21 January 2021 by the SNP Government, following pressure from Edward Mountain’s ‘Help Our B&Bs’ campaign. 

However, the Highland Council’s website continues to state that the local authority : “is awaiting details of this grant scheme from the Scottish Government. Once this is received, details will be provided here on eligibility and how to apply for grant.”

Edward Mountain MSP raised the issue today during the Economy portfolio questions in the Scottish Parliament.

Edward Mountain MSP said: “Tourism is vital to the Highland economy. The Highland Council are still awaiting guidance from the Scottish Government regarding the Bed and Breakfast Support Fund, announced on 21 January. Which is a follow-on to the fund you announced last year.

“The fund was meant to be open from the 15th February, can the Cabinet Secretary confirm that the money and full guidance has been given to the Highland Council?”

The Cabinet Secretary replied: “I know the issue on B&Bs, particularly those that don’t pay council tax – sorry, don’t pay rates but pay council tax – and that’s why this scheme is being made available.

“As he might appreciate I am not the Tourism Secretary, I used to be but I’m not now, so I’ll try and make sure that we can get the details of that scheme, that guidance and its availability.

“But if it’s due to be open, then it needs to be open, we need to support the tourism businesses until such times that they can re-open safely and it is absolutely essential that we all support our tourism industry.”

Following Portfolio Questions, Edward Mountain MSP commented:

“Struggling B&Bs were promised new lifeline funding a month ago and expected applications to open on the 15thFebruary.

Nine days on and the fund hasn’t been launched yet. Where is it?

The Economy Secretary had no idea, the Highland Council are still waiting for guidance and, even worse, B&Bs have been left without support.

Tourism is vital to the Highland economy and B&Bs should not be left behind by the SNP Government like this.

The guidance and the funding needs to transferred to Highland Council immediately so Highland B&Bs can be saved.”

You may also be interested in

Edward Mountain MSP

Edward Mountain MSP

Shadow Minister for Veterans
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Highlands and Islands
Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP for the Highlands and Islands. Follow Edward on Facebook at @EdMountainMSP, on Twitter at @1edmountain and on his parliamentary website www.edwardmountainmsp.scot.

Conservatives vote against Labour's useless welfare bill

Wednesday, 2 July, 2025
In an act of cowardice, Keir Starmer has put Party before country. He cannot make the tough decisions necessary.

Show only

  • Articles
  • Holyrood News
  • Local News
  • National News
  • Opinions
  • Reports
  • Westminster News

Donate

We rely on the support of individuals like you.

Donate now

Join or Renew

Help us take action on local issues and build a better Britain.

accepted-payment-cards

Highland Conservatives

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About us
  • Get involved
Scottish ConservativesPromoted by D Pocock on behalf of Highland Conservative and Unionist Association, all at 109 Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1EY
Copyright 2025 Highland Conservatives. All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree