A CONSERVATIVE councillor says he has sympathy for licensed premises over the Scottish Government's shutdown of the sector.

Graeme Brooks believes it's not fair that many local establishments have been closed down despite significant investment in safety measures and he says they deserve some certainty.

Cllr Brooks said: “I’m frustrated at the confusion that has been brought about by the SNP Scottish Government with regards to what is and what is not a café.

“Thousands of pounds have been spent by the hospitality industry to ensure that they are Covid compliant, and yet this sector has been mainly closed down.

“If we have a reopening on October 26, the Scottish Government must ensure that owners who are responsible and doing the right thing have the certainty that they can continue to trade throughout winter.”