Self-catering businesses in the Highlands fear they could close as they don’t meet qualifying criteria for vital business support during the coronavirus crisis.
Scottish Government measures to help businesses affected by the pandemic include £10,000 grants for small businesses receiving the Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Relief.
In addition, £25,000 grants are offered to hospitality, leisure and retail properties with rateable values between £18,000-£51,000, including self-catering accommodation.
But Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant says, while welcome, the support does not go far enough to support everyone.
She says some owners are worried that they do not fit the criteria for a grant as their self-catering business is not their primary source of earnings and they depend on several small income streams rather than just one.
This includes crofters who make up their income by renting out a cottage.
Mrs Grant wants the government to look at an individual’s overall income and provide a percentage of the relevant business support grant depending on the proportion relating to self-catering.
She said: “This strict criteria will mean that some people who deserve support are still going to fall through the cracks and it will put people out of business.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said it is determined to help keep companies in business and support them during the outbreak by offering a £2.2 billion package of support.
