£6m pledged for Scottish coach operators

Scottish coach companies and tour operators are to receive a share of £6m.

The money has been made available through a new £185 million package of targeted coronavirus (COVID-19) support. The package was announced by Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes. Businesses can expect to apply for all the new grant schemes in January.

CPT Chief Executive, Graham Vidler, said: “Today’s announcement is welcome news for coach operators across Scotland who have suffered significantly during the pandemic. Coach operators provide essential services such as home to school and rail replacement journeys as well as helping get tourists to Scotland’s many tourist attractions. This funding will help support them through the winter with a view to getting back up and running next year.

“We will continue to push for similar support to be provided to all UK coach operators as a matter of urgency.”

Kate Forbes said: “We are developing grant schemes for hospitality, for the events sector, live music and cultural venues, for the arts, indoor football centres and for the food and drink sector, including £1.8 million for brewers.

“We will give £1.5 million to travelling show people ineligible for other support, while a new £19 million fund, plus a one-off grant, will help taxi drivers.

“I can also announce that further support of £60 million will be provided to the tourism sector, details of which will be developed in consultation with the industry.

“I am listening to the needs of business and we will continue to review and refine our COVID-19 support offer within the available resources.”