The SNP is “going backwards” when it comes to helping businesses affected by coronavirus – after it emerged the number of firms awaiting support has actually risen in the last week.

New statistics reveal there are 15,722 firms in retail, hospitality and tourism across Scotland who have asked for SNP government support, but received nothing.  In Argyll and Bute the figure stands at 573.

Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary Donald Cameron said:

“There were already concerns among the business community here in Argyll and Bute, and across Scotland that the SNP’s support scheme had stalled.

“Despite the best efforts of council staff to administer the scheme, these new figures show the whole system is now going backwards.

“It makes for a telling contrast with the enormously successful effort that has gone into the UK Government’s furloughing scheme.

“At this stage in the pandemic we really need the Scottish government to get its act together when it comes to supporting our business community.

Mr Cameron, a Highlands and Islands MSP, added: ”As with testing, they talk a good game but the reality on the ground is somewhat different.”