Concerns from Moray companies about increases in business rates are being taken to the man responsible for setting the new levies.
Firms across the region have raised fears they could be forced to close as they struggle to find the money to fund the revised fees.
Although hospitality firms have seen their increases capped at 12.5%, other businesses continue to face significant increases in rates prices.
Next week, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead will suggest a priority system for appeals to fight the increases when he meets Grampian Assessor Ian Milton.
Mr Lochhead has urged firms to contact assessors to discuss their case before the final valuations are published on March 15.
He said: “There are some Moray businesses outwith the hospitality sector who are still facing hefty increases and I know, from having met with the Lossiemouth Business Association, that there’s evidence to suggest Lossie businesses are being disproportionately hit.
“I’ll be raising those concerns with the Assessor when I meet with him, as well as pushing for a priority system to be introduced for appeals for those businesses still facing large increases.
“Moray Council does have the option of introducing a local rates relief scheme for those still affected, as other authorities have done, including Aberdeenshire.”
