Scottish agents to benefit from multi-million pound package

In a statement, the Scottish government confirmed the help to agents as part of a £185 million business support package, which it said had followed discussions with business groups.

Finance secretary Kate Forbes told parliament: “We have listened to businesses, and this assistance will be provided on a sector-by-sector basis, targeted at those who need it most.

"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.”

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.

The announcement was made during the Budget update at Holyrood. The SPAA has been lobbying the Scottish government, including protesting outside the parliament building.

Joanne Dooey, SPAA president, said: “This is hugely welcome news for travel agents who have been forced to remain open as businesses since March to help their clients with cancellations and refunds, but who have had nothing to sell and no one to sell to.

"We’re delighted that months of lobbying by our members, including our protest outside Holyrood in November, has been successful and that the Scottish government has listened to us, and recognised the dire position which many travel agents have found themselves in, and has acted upon our detailed proposals.

“We look forward to working closely with the Scottish government on a delivery mechanism for this cash support to agents across Scotland.”