In response to a written parliamentary question from Michelle Thomson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison MSP has backed the restoration of tax-free shopping.

The Scottish Retail Consortium has been in the vanguard of efforts in Scotland to encourage the UK Government to rethink its recent decision to scrap the tax relief. This would aid retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors in Scotland.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “This intervention from Scottish Ministers in support of the restoration of tax-free shopping is most welcome and timely. A growing chorus of voices has expressed serious doubts about the wisdom of the UK Government’s previous decision to scrap tax-free shopping for international tourists to Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“Re-introducing tax-free shopping in the Spring Budget would attract a greater number of visits to Scotland and the UK and stimulate high street spending from international tourists.”