BUSINESSES IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN TO RECEIVE SHARE OF £185 MILLION SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FUNDING

NEW SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO TARGET SECTORS IN NEED
 
Businesses in Midlothian and East Lothian will receive their share of targeted Scottish Government coronavirus funding worth £185million. 
 
The funding was announced today by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and will benefit a wide range of sectors, such as taxi drivers, arts venues and the hospitality sector. 
 
The Scottish Government is developing grant schemes for hospitality, the events sector, live music, arts, indoor football centres and the food and drink sector. A further £60 million will also be provided to the tourism sector. 
 
In addition, there will be additional one-off payments of either of £2,000 or £3,000 available for hospitality businesses in January to help them deal with the traditional post-Christmas dip in demand.
 
Commenting on the announcement Colin Beattie said: 
 
"This Scottish Government funding, which is designed to support firms and ensure that our economy is on the best possible footing when we get through this health crisis, is welcome.

“There is now light at the end of the tunnel, but we are coming into a notoriously difficult period for businesses as we head into the winter months, and this package should help support local businesses struggling to get by and support the sectors worst-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
“Local businesses and industries here in Midlothian and East Lothian are understandably concerned about the impact that coronavirus will have on our economy, but the Scottish Government will continue to listen to the needs of business and review and refine the Covid-19 support on offer.

“I'd encourage all businesses in Midlothian and East Lothian to continue to ensure they are receiving the support they’re entitled to."