Coronavirus in Scotland: Soft play centres 'at breaking point' warns MSP

Lothian Conservative MSP Miles Briggs claimed correspondence sent to SNP ministers from the sector, including from a lifelong SNP supporter, revealed the fury felt by those working industry over a lack of funding which put many soft play businesses at risk of going under.

Last month the Scottish government announced grants of up to £50,000 for soft play hubs through the Covid contingency fund.

But Mr Briggs said as of Wednesday, no payments had been made out of the £11 million fund designed to support soft play centres.

He said correspondence included SNP ministers being told the industry was at “breaking point” and had been “totally abandoned” by the government, while another said decisions were being made on outdated visions of soft play centres.

He said: “This highlights how the soft play sector feel they have totally been let down by the SNP Government. Recent grant funding is welcome, but for many this is too little too late or merely a drop in the ocean in terms of what they require.

“While stopping the spread of the virus remains paramount, soft play owners have spent thousands to be Covid safe, yet will have to remain closed for some time yet.

“Even lifelong SNP supporters recognise that their Government haven’t done nearly enough to safeguard the survival of soft play businesses.

“Rishi Sunak has delivered an extra £1 billion for Scotland. The SNP should urgently use that funding to protect jobs and livelihoods for those crying out for help.”

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