Scottish independent retailers have warned that “more closures are inevitable” unless ministers take “immediate action” on business rates.

Karen Forret, managing director of family-owned retailer Wilkies, has declared that “three years of inequality” between Scotland and England on rates have left high streets in Scotland “on the brink of collapse”.

Ms Forret, who sits on the management board of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), said it is “clear that costs remain simply too high”, observing that another two independent stores have closed their doors in the last week in Scottish towns “still considered strong shopping destinations”.

Commenting on the eve of the UK Budget, Bira called on the Scottish Government to match the relief provided to retailers by Westminste

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