Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay has challenged John Swinney to join him at a pub in the First Minister’s constituency which faces potential closure over its eye-watering new rates bill.
Publican Katie Long took on Brown & Blacks in Scone, Perthshire in 2020 when it was derelict and spent £140,000 transforming it into a thriving community business employing 26 people.
However, its rateable value has risen from £19,900 to £52,700 – doubling her rates bill.
“When our monthly energy costs previously rose from £1,800 to £8,500, I took on significant personal debt, but the rates rise is the last straw,” she said.
“I’m considering putting in my notice to the brewery which would put people out of work, harm our community and deprive the government of revenue. The thought of shutting the door for good makes me sick.
“I would like the First Minister to visit Brown & Blacks to hear first-hand about the crisis facing Scottish pubs like mine.”
Ms Long acknowledged that the rates assessors are independent, but she said the government “should halt these sky-high revaluations and give meaningful support.
“It feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders because I’ve got 26 staff who I feel responsible for, but I don’t know how much longer I can keep fighting.”
At FMQs earlier this month, Mr Findlay urged Swinney to discuss new rates revaluations which are fuelling the “rates crisis” in Scotland’s struggling hospitality sector.
After Mr Swinney rejected the invitation, the Conservatives leader made a fresh offer to him today to meet the Scone publican.
“Katie Long has built an incredible community business from scratch, but her crippling new rates bill could force her to call last orders for good,” said Mr Findlay.
“This would be a tragedy for a community in John Swinney’s own constituency and would result in more than 20 people losing their jobs.
“I urge John Swinney to join me at Brown & Blacks to hear directly from Katie about the crisis gripping Scottish hospitality businesses like hers.”
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