Updated: 24/02/2021, 11:28 am
Business leaders in the north-east reacted with frustration to the news lockdown measures will remain in place until the end of April.
Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled the Scottish Government’s plans for the easing of lockdown, with a return to the levels system in place before Christmas.
Restrictions will be subject to “progressive easing” between now and the last week of April, when levels will be reintroduced.
Communal worship, a further extension to outdoor mixing and more freedoms in retail are hoped to be put in place from April 5, with Ms Sturgeon saying her “hope and expectation” is the stay-at-home order will be lifted then and all pupils will be back at school.
According to the Chancellor, businesses in Scotland will have access to nearly £600 million through the scheme.
Venues are still likely to receive support – but it is not yet clear how much of the money will have to be taken from other sources.
On Ms Forbes’ claims, Stuart McPhee, director of Aberdeen bar and hotel Sibera and spokesman for the Aberdeen Hospitality Together industry group, said: “Money that becomes available for business support, needs to get out to businesses as quickly as it possibly can.
“Like every round of funding we have had so far, the devil is in the detail and we need to see what transpires and how quickly it comes to the businesses.