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.”
