Sir Tom Hunter says he cried over Scotland's high street decline

Sir Tom Hunter said he was moved to tears by shop closures on Ayr High Street and urged ministers to ease business rates ahead of the Scottish Government's 2026-27 draft Budget.

Sir Tom Hunter said he was moved to tears by the number of shop closures on Ayr High Street. He made the remarks publicly in the run-up to the Scottish Government's draft 2026-27 Budget and called for lower tax burdens on businesses. He warned that higher business rates can force firms to close and increase reliance on state support. The Scottish Government says the Budget will focus on the NHS and the cost of living. Key points: - Sir Tom described walking Ayr High Street at Christmas and being upset by the number of closed units. - He urged easing business rates and supported a permanent rates discount for shops, arguing that large increases can lead to closures and lower overall tax take. - He and an alliance of entrepreneurs plan to publish an Entrepreneurs' Manifesto after the Budget to set out business priorities before the May Holyrood election. - The finance secretary stated the draft Budget will prioritise NHS spending and measures to address the cost of living. Summary: Sir Tom's comments reflect private-sector concern about the condition of local high streets and the possible economic effects of rising business rates. The Scottish Government's draft 2026-27 Budget is due this week, and the entrepreneurs involved say they will release their manifesto once the Budget is published. Undetermined at this time.