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Council tax frozen

11th March 2021

All 32 local authorities across Scotland have chosen to freeze council tax following a Scottish Government commitment to compensate those who do so. Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “With people facing unprecedented challenges and extra pressures, now is a time to work together to provide stability and certainty. “In the budget for the year ahead…

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Brexit barriers facing artists and musicians

21st February 2021

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has requested an urgent meeting with the UK Government to discuss the impact of ending EU free movement on culture and creative sectors. In a letter to the UK Culture Secretary, Ms Hyslop urged the UK Government to negotiate visa-free access for artists and other creative professionals touring and carrying out…

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Support for larger self-catering properties and B&Bs

21st January 2021

Details of support for larger self-catering properties and B&Bs paying council tax have been confirmed by Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing. The £7 million Large Self-Catering Grant and the Exclusive Use Grant was announced as part of the £104 million tourism and hospitality package in December. Eligible self–catering businesses will be able to apply for one…

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This week: 5G, tidal energy and business productivity

30th August 2019

5G plan First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled ‘Forging Our Digital Future With 5G‘, a new plan that will put Scotland at the forefront of the 5G technological revolution. 5G is the next generation of mobile internet, offering faster speeds and enhanced connectivity that could transform transport, education, healthcare and agriculture among other sectors. The…

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Internet of Things, E-Bikes and GDP

9th August 2019

Economic Growth Statistics published this week showed that the Scottish economy grew by 0.6% during the first quarter of 2019. Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said the months and years ahead were crucial as the UK’s EU Exit, and in particular a ‘no deal’ Brexit, risks damaging Scotland’s economic growth. He said:  “Growing the economy is…

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Scottish Annual Business Statistics 2017

12th June 2019

The latest figures from the Scottish Annual Business Statistics show that tourism, food and drink and the creative industries are among the sectors to have grown over 2016-2017. The statistics show an improved performance for the majority of growth sectors within Scotland’s non-financial business economy. Increased approximate Gross Value Added (aGVA) was shown in the…

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Collaborate And Celebrate All Scotland Has To Offer

7th July 2017

Helen Goulden from Nesta, and Chair of the Scottish Expert Advisory Panel on the Collaborative Economy, gives an update on progress made on bringing together “new economy” service providers to look at how they can improve the experience of Scotland’s tourists. On 21 June, the Scottish Expert Advisory Panel on the Collaborative Economy met in Glasgow to…

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