Scottish Government

Local authorities in Scotland will receive an additional £40 million to support local communities, public finance minister Ivan McKee has confirmed.

Trade minister Ivan McKee has urged the UK Government to provide clarity over the future of green ports in Scotland. The green port model adapts the UK Government’s freeport proposals, offering a package of tax and customs reliefs. Operators and beneficiaries will be required to commit to adop

Scotrail is to come under direct state control from March 2022, transport secretary Michael Matheson has confirmed. Mr Matheson said Scotrail will be operated through an arm’s-length company controlled by the Scottish Government, declaring that the current system of franchising “is no lo

A new loan scheme aimed at supporting small scale woodland creation projects has been launched today by rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing.

The Scottish Government has published plans to increase the value of private investment flowing into Scotland and make the country a global centre of ethical finance. The Global Capital Investment Plan contains 30 measures to increase the availability of private capital to businesses and projects wh

A united set of recommendations from organisations representing Scotland’s hospitality sector have been submitted to the Scottish Government, urging Ministers to mirror the reopening plans for England as closely as possible, with the stripping away of additional restrictions such as a curfew a

The Scottish Government has paid out more than half a billion pounds in lifeline support to Scottish businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic since November 2020. The Strategic Framework Business Fund had paid out £214m by 22 February according to latest figures. Approximately 89% of th

Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) chief officer Phil Prentice has welcomed a Scottish Government cash boost to support the nation’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). The Scottish Government has confirmed that it will provide another £600,000 to further the work of BIDs a

Tenants and private sector landlords facing financial difficulties caused by the pandemic have more time to access support after two loan schemes were extended by the Scottish Government. The Tenant Hardship Loan Fund and the Private Rent Sector Landlord (non-business) COVID-19 Loan Scheme, both of

Finance secretary Kate Forbes has struck a deal with the Scottish Green Party which guarantees the Scottish Government's Budget Bill can clear its final stages. The deal will see the phased introduction of free school meals for all primary pupils, an enhanced public sector pay deal, new Pandemic Sup

Women living or working in Scottish agriculture will benefit from £115,000 of extra funding from the Scottish Government for a wide range of practical training courses including tractor and trailer driving. The financial package, announced by rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing on Intern

Finance secretary Kate Forbes has confirmed an extended cut to stamp duty for housebuyers in England will not be matched by the Scottish Government. Chancellor Rishi Sunak used his Budget to announce continued relief for property purchases, but the Scottish finance secretary said the temporary reduc

The UK Budget must provide adequate funding for Scotland and respect the devolution settlement, finance secretary Kate Forbes has said. The Scottish Government has committed to continuing business support during the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – including extending non-do

Banks should be encouraged to extend loan repayment periods to help struggling businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic, according to Benny Higgins, an adviser to the Scottish Government. In September last year, Mr Higgins was asked by economy secretary Fiona Hyslop to provide a review of ho

Proposed legislation to implement Scotland’s Budget for 2021-22 has passed its first parliamentary hurdle as MSPs voted to endorse the general principles of the Budget Bill at Stage 1. MSPs also approved the Scottish Rate Resolution, setting all income tax rates and bands.