The rates row: Winners and losers

Scottish Parliament has been evacuated (iStock)

Who lost and who won after business rates ‘scandal?’

Losers

Judy Fish, owner of the Applecross Inn in Wester Ross

Judy has owned the Applecross for 28 years but now faces a rates hike of £21,000. She said: “It will mean reducing staff and it will mean looking at everything we sell.”

Previous rate: £24,000

New rate: £45,000 (88% rise)

Craig Wilson, owner of the Eat on the Green restaurant in Aberdeenshire

Dubbed the “kilted chef”, Craig has revealed the rise in his business rates bill could mean he is forced to increase the cost of meals at his hugely popular Udny Green restaurant – or lay off a senior member of staff.

Previous rate: £25,000

New rate: £62,000 (148% rise)

Hugh Morrison, owner of Smoo Cave Hotel, Durness

Hugh Morrison, owner of the Smoo Cave Hotel in Durness

The Smoo Cave Hotel in Durness will see its rates increase around 20% to £17,000. The threshold for having to pay no rates has increased from £10,000 to £15,000 but a £3,000 rates increase means Hugh Morrison’s business will still be hit.

Previous rate: £14,000

New rate: £17,000 (21% rise)

James Rusk, owner of the Butchershop Bar and Grill in Glasgow

The Butchershop Bar and Grill has won acclaim since it opened in Glasgow’s West End but its trendy location and success has come at a price as far as the rates review goes.

Previous rate: £26,250

New rate: £42,500 (62% rise)

Marco Arcari, owner of La Vita restaurants

La Vita’s success has seen it expand into restaurants in Glasgow’s West End and South Side. At its best-known location in George Square, the rates are going through the roof.

Previous rate: £56,000

New rate: £126,000 (125% rise)