MIDLOTHIAN BUSINESSES GET £5.4 MILLION AND EAST LOTHIAN BUSINESSES GET £10.8 MILLION SUPPORT THROUGH CRISIS

SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed new figures showing that 454 businesses in Midlothian, and 915 businesses in East Lothian, have received Scottish Government grants to support firms through the coronavirus crisis.
A total of £5.4 Million has been awarded in Midlothian, and a total of £10.8 million has been awarded in East Lothian through a Scottish Government scheme to support small businesses and the retail, hospitality and leisure sector.
This grant support is worth over £1 billion to business, and is part of the wider business support package worth £2.3 billion.
So that funding can be distributed as quickly as possible, eligibility for the grant scheme is linked to the non-domestic rates system.
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
“This is a very difficult time for businesses.
“This Scottish Government funding is designed to support firms and ensure that our economy is on the best possible footing when we get through this health crisis.
“Our support for business is now worth £2.3 billion, which is more than we have received from the UK Government and actively works to fill the gaps in the UK schemes with tailored support for the Scottish economy.
“I encourage all businesses in Midlothian and East Lothian to ensure they are receiving the support they’re entitled to.”