Retail representative groups are calling on the Finance Secretary to introduce a permanent business rate discount as they fear Scotland may become a “less viable” location to invest in.

Twelve groups and industry bodies have jointly written to Shona Robison to demand a permanent business rates discount for all retail premises.

The call comes ahead of the Scottish Government’s Budget in January and follows the introduction of a permanent business rate discount for retailers in England set out in the UK Budget last month.

The letter is signed by the Scottish Retail Consortium, the Booksellers Association of the UK and Ireland , the Company Chemists’ Association, the National Hair & Beauty Federation, among many others.

It states: “We collectively believe that your Budget on Janua

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