Bid to save pubs from eye-watering rate increases

Russell Findlay was in Ayrshire to issue a stark warning about the future of Scotland's pubs.

- ROSS DUNN

The Scottish Conservative leader fears more boozers will close and further jobs will be lost unless urgent action is taken.

Mr Findlay is calling for pubs and hospitality businesses to be exempt from business rates this year. The Tory chief was joined by South Scotland MSP Sharon Dowey at popular Prestwick boozer and restaurant Vics and the Vine to launch a campaign to save more of Scotland's pubs from closure.