UKHospitality Scotland Executive Director Leon Thompson said: “I’m pleased that the Chancellor was able to introduce measures in the Budget that will benefit Scottish hospitality businesses.
“The additional funding for the Edinburgh Festivals is well deserved and will help bolster the world’s leading arts events, which are a huge draw for visitors from across the world and will provide a timely boost to Scottish tourism.
“The measures to incentivise both parents and the over 50s back into work is positive and recognises UKHospitality’s calls for the Government to help the economically inactive back into work. However, the unique demographics of Scotland, particularly in our rural areas, means the sheer lack of people of any working age remains a major concern for venues.
“With the Budget resulting in £320 million being allocated to the Scottish Government in Barnett consequentials, there needs to be a firm commitment that some of this money will be earmarked for business support. Allocating some of this money to support our businesses should be a priority for the incoming First Minister, getting the new relationship between the Scottish Government and hospitality off to a good start.”
