Commenting on Alex Salmond’s comments today on small businesses, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jeremy Purvis said:

“I have spoken to local businesses today in Melrose and Peebles who are still furious that the SNP did not put transitional rates relief in place. This means that they saw a massive increase in their rates bills. They think what Alex Salmond has said is rich.

“It is simply no good for the SNP to ignore the damage that has been done to many struggling businesses. Our commitment to introducing statutory transitional rates relief is gaining considerable support in the businesses community.”