The Scottish government has detailed how it will give out financial support to travel agents north of the border.
Holyrood agreed a £5 million package of sector-specific support for Scottish travel agents in December after agents marched on the Scottish parliament demanding financial aid in November (pictured).
In guidance published today, it said: “This fund is to support travel agents in Scotland. The Scottish government recognises the specific challenges faced by this sector and one-off grants will be given through local authorities to eligible businesses.”
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The fund will be administered through local councils and will provide one-off grants of up to £25,000 to eligible businesses. The level of grant awarded will depend on the rateable value of the premises:
- £10,000 for premises which have a rateable value of up to and including £18,000
- £25,000 for premises which have a rateable value of £18,001 or above.
Local authorities will contact travel agents in their area directly for the information they need to confirm their eligibility and process payment.
To be eligible for support, agencies must be a limited company or sole trader, sell outbound travel for business or leisure, and operate from fixed premises in Scotland.
Businesses operating from multiple premises are able to apply for funding for each of the premises, subject to subsidy control.
Agents are asked to contact their local authority if they haven’t heard from them by February 8.