ONE of Irvine’s MSPs has welcomed a rise in small businesses being helped by a government scheme.

Cunninghame South politician Margaret Burgess is pleased with the figures which show that the number of small businesses in the area supported by the Scottish Government’s Small Business Bonus has hit 2396.

The SNP MSP is also pleased that empty shops in Scotland has dropped to 8.7 per cent in October – the lowest retail vacancy rate for four years.

She said: “These encouraging figures show that the proportion of empty shops in Scotland is now lower than at any time over the last four years and lower than in the UK as a whole – a welcome sign that ahead of the busy Christmas season Scotland’s high streets are getting back to business.

“The SNP government is serious about revitalising our town centres – that’s why a new £1.7 million fund to regenerate town centres was launched in August and local authorities have been given more powers over local business rates.

“These new figures are also another sign that the SNP Scottish Government’s work to support entrepreneurs is bearing fruit. The number of businesses now benefitting from the Small Business Bonus Scheme in North Ayrshire has reached 2396, contributing to the highest number of businesses in Scotland since devolution.

“The SNP is determined that Scotland remains the most competitive place to do business in the UK and that our high streets flourish – creating jobs, boosting local growth and supporting local communities.”