COUNTRY sports tourism businesses across Scotland are now able to apply for Scottish Government funding to help them through the coronavirus shutdown after a u-turn by Ministers.
The announcement comes after Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, wrote to both Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish Government's Economy, Fair Work and Culture Secretary.
The organisation also appealed to Fergus Ewing, Rural Economy Secretary - prompting the change of heart by the Scottish Government.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Kate Forbes defends Scottish Government's 'generous' business support
As part of its plea, the SLE warned government ministers that by missing out of the lifeline financial support, this important part of Scotland's tourism sector risked suffering a longer-term impact - which would be felt by rural communities whose livelihoods rely on this sector.
Country sports tourism businesses will now be able to apply to the Scottish Government’s creative, tourism and hospitality enterprises hardship fund following the announcement, to plug the gap.
Grants of up to £25,000 can be accessed by eligible businesses in addition to the coronavirus job retention scheme.
In order to qualify for the £25,000 grants, companies must have under 50 employees, have experiences at least a 50% loss of current or projected revenue and not been in financial difficulty before the end of 2019.
Businesses must not be in receipt of other Covid-19 government support grants, except the furlough scheme. The fund is not for pre-revenue companies.
The hardship fund has been made available by the Scottish Government for small creative, tourism and hospitality companies that are experiencing hardship because they are ineligible for other Covid-19 government grant support and were set to slip through the net.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Scottish Government's partial business support u-turn 'still falls short'
The announcement comes as the industry warns that rural communities across Scotland could face permanent damage to their economies if businesses are not given adequate support.
Stephen Young, head of policy at Scottish Land and Estates, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Government for listening to our concerns and rectifying the error of missing out this important arm of Scotland’s tourism sector.
"Country sports tourism businesses play a crucial role in rural Scotland."
He added: "They employ local people and attract visitors who boost the rural economy and provide a livelihood for locals.
"If these businesses do not survive this pandemic, it could mean irreparable damage for the people who live and work in these communities.”
The Scottish Government has made a host of additional funding pots available - including a £34 million fund for the newly self-employed, who cannot provide past earnings for other funding schemes and did not qualify.
The package also includes a £20 million fund for small and micro enterprises in the creative, tourism and hospitality sectors and £45 million for viable SMEs - crucial to the Scottish economy, which are vulnerable.
Ms Hyslop said: "Our economy has been hit hard by this crisis and previously profitable businesses have seen demand dry up overnight. Our support will help alleviate the hardship those individuals and companies are facing.
"I am particularly pleased that we will be able to help the newly self-employed who do not qualify for the UK's scheme and are facing financial hardship as a result of coronavirus."
She added: "We also recognise the particular impact of Covid-19 on our creative, tourism and hospitality sectors at what would normally be their busiest period. This fund is intended to relieve the hardship of smaller firms that are ineligible for other forms of support.
"As well as dealing with this immediate crisis, we must look to the future.
"We must ensure that viable and vital businesses in all sectors with a part to play in strengthening the resilience of Scotland's economy survive this crisis and thrive in future, which is why £45 million is being allocated to support those firms.
"We continue to engage with businesses on a regular basis to understand their needs and press the UK Government to deliver for them."
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