Businesses in North Ayrshire will receive their share of targeted Scottish Government coronavirus funding worth £185 million.
The funding was announced by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and will benefit a wide range of sectors, such as taxi drivers, arts venues and the hospitality sector.
The Scottish Government is developing grant schemes for hospitality, the events sector, live music, arts, indoor football centres and the food and drink sector. A further £60 million will also be provided to the tourism sector.
In addition, there will be additional one-off payments of either of £2,000 or £3,000 available for hospitality businesses in January to help them deal with the traditional post-Christmas dip in demand.
Commenting on the announcement Ruth Maguire MSP said: “This Scottish Government funding, which is designed to support firms and ensure that our economy is on the best possible footing when we get through this health crisis, is welcome.
“There is now light at the end of the tunnel, but we are coming into a notoriously difficult period for businesses as we head into the winter months, and this package should help support local businesses struggling to get by and support the sectors worst-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Local businesses and industries here in North Ayrshire are understandably concerned about the impact that coronavirus will have on our economy, but the Scottish Government will continue to listen to the needs of business and review and refine the Covid-19 support on offer.
“I’d encourage all businesses in North Ayrshire to continue to ensure they are receiving the support they’re entitled to.”
Specific support detailed in the announcement includes:
- £15 million for the wedding sector and its supply chain, including photographers
- one-off grants totalling £15 million for mobile close contact services, such as hairdressers
- a £19 million fund and one-off grants for taxi drivers
- £5 million for travel agents
- almost £6 million for coach companies and tour operators
- £1.5 million for visitor attractions
More detail on the package will be announced in the coming days and businesses can expect to apply for all the new grant schemes in January.
Ruth Maguire MSP 