A £100m package of additional grants from the Scottish Government will give a lifeline to some small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and self-employed people. The package incudes £20m for enterprises in the creative, tourism and hospitality sectors, a £34m hardship fund for the newly self-employed who have been unable to access the UK coronavirus emergency support measures, and £45m for viable SMEs crucial to the Scottish economy which are at risk of permanent closure.
Creative enterprises ineligible for business rates relief will be able to claim up to £25k. Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the Scottish Government recognises "the particular impact of Covid-19 on our creative, tourism and hospitality sectors at what would normally be their busiest period".