Lib Dems reveal rate of agricultural, forestry and fishing business closures is increasing

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson and West of Scotland MSP Jamie Greene has today attacked SNP mishandling of rural and coastal communities as he revealed that almost 4,000 agricultural, forestry and fishing business have closed since the last election.

According to figures provided by the Scottish Government in response to a Scottish Liberal Democrat parliamentary question, 3,950 agricultural, forestry and fishing business have closed since Q2 2021.

The rate of closures is also increasing. In 2017, 645 businesses in those sectors closed, while in 2024, 835 businesses in those sectors closed.

Commenting on the figures, Jamie Greene said:

"It is no wonder we are seeing more agricultural, forestry and fishing businesses closing. The SNP just don’t understand our rural and coastal communities Scotland.

"We saw that with their proposals to exclude our fishing boats from huge parts of Scotland's waters. We've seen it with their failure to dual the A9 or deliver workable broadband in the north.

"Scotland is packed with ambitious, entrepreneurial people but they are held back by red tape and government neglect. Scottish Liberal Democrats want to help small and medium sized businesses flourish in every corner of Scotland."