THE chief executive of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce has called on the Scottish Government to urgently provide cash to local businesses.

George McKay believes the latest lockdown restrictions have added to the growing desperation of Inverclyde firms who have been forced once again to close.

Mr McKay said: "The Scottish Government must provide detailed evidence on how these new measures will support public health restrictions and urgently provide sufficient financial support to Inverclyde businesses if they are to get through yet more rules suddenly imposed upon them without prior consultation.

"Otherwise, it will only add to the growing desperation of businesses who have put finance and time aside to make their business Covid compliant, only to have to close anyway, with no clear route back to reopening."