Commenting on research undertaken by the Federation of Small Businesses which states that Scottish business confidence collapsed towards the end of 2020, Scottish Labour deputy leader and finance spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “Small businesses the length and breadth of Scotland are deep in crisis, with many in danger of going to the wall.

“This catastrophic collapse in business confidence was not inevitable. The SNP has time and time again dithered and delayed over getting much needed business support into the hands of small businesses. This delay must end now.

“Small businesses will be vital to our economic recovery, but if action is not taken now we risk leaving Scotland an economic wasteland.

“It’s time for the SNP to step up to the plate and deliver for small businesses – it is the least that businesses and their workers deserve.”