Grant support for small accommodation providers

Orkney Islands Council is advising small accommodation providers of a new Scottish Government Grant they may be eligible for - and highlighting the closing date of this Monday, 22 March.

The Support for Small Accommodation Providers Paying Council Tax Fund (SAP-CTF) is to support small accommodation providers in Scotland that pay council tax - including B&Bs, guest houses and self-catering properties - and which have been impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

This grant takes the form of one £6,000 grant, the equivalent of three 4-weekly payments of £2,000.

Payments will cover every four weeks of restrictions since the start of January 2021 until the end of March 2021. This will cover the period of Level 4 restrictions which came into effect from 26 December 2020.

Full eligibility details are available on the Scottish Government website.

All B&Bs, self-catering businesses and guest houses that were previously supported by either the Bed and Breakfast Hardship Fund or the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Hardship Fund are automatically eligible for support under this scheme. These business have been contacted by Orkney Islands Council and invited to register for payment. All business must be re-registered by 22 March 2021 to receive payment. Payments will be made as soon as possible once a business is registered.

B&Bs, self-catering businesses and guest houses that have not previously been supported are also eligible to apply to this fund.

Applications should be made via the Covid-19 business support section.

For further assistance, email the Council's Economic Development team.