In response to a written parliamentary question from Michelle Thomson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison MSP has backed calls from the retail industry for the restoration of tax-free shopping.

The SRC has for years argued reinstating the tax relief for international visitors would aid retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors to grow here in Scotland.

David Lonsdale, SRC director, said: “This intervention from Scottish Ministers in support of the restoration of tax-free shopping is welcome and timely. A growing chorus is voicing serious doubts about the wisdom of the previous UK government’s decision to scrap tax-free shopping for international tourists to Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“With domestic households still chary of spending and government looking for ideas to pep up economic growth, a fresh effort should be made to attract high spending visitors from abroad. They make a valuable contribution through purchases of goods and holidaying here, yet international tourist spend has shifted to the Continent because of the tax savings on offer.

“Reinstating tax-free shopping in the Chancellor’s Budget would lift international visitor numbers and high street spending. In turn that will generate revenues and jobs in retail, tourism and hospitality here in Scotland. With the need for economic growth paramount this is an open goal for the Chancellor’s Budget.”