Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
The Tories have been exposed for “appalling hypocrisy” after reports showed that firms are set to be “hammered” by business rates changes in England – while Tory councillors have voted against support for businesses here in Scotland.
The Tory groups on Moray and Aberdeenshire councils voted against rates relief at local authority level, despite Ruth Davidson’s rhetoric on the issue.
Commenting, SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson, said:
“Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Tories are guilty of the most appalling hypocrisy on this issue.
”Firstly, Tory groups in Scottish councils are trying to block relief schemes to lower bills for firms in their areas.
“Meanwhile, the Tory government at Westminster has failed to take the decisive action over poundage and the small business bonus that the Scottish Government has to support local businesses, leading to soaring bills for companies south of the border.
“This kind of dishonesty and blatant double standards from the Tories shows them up for the opportunists that they are.
“The Tory council groups in Moray and Aberdeenshire ought to be ashamed of themselves for betraying local businesses by refusing rates relief in Moray, and by trying unsuccessfully to stop the SNP-led administration in Aberdeenshire from providing substantial support of £3 million for local businesses.
“The SNP will take no lectures from the Tories on this issue – and voters will see the shameful hypocrisy at the heart of Tory claims for what it is.”
”Firstly, Tory groups in Scottish councils are trying to block relief schemes to lower bills for firms in their areas.
“Meanwhile, the Tory government at Westminster has failed to take the decisive action over poundage and the small business bonus that the Scottish Government has to support local businesses, leading to soaring bills for companies south of the border.
“This kind of dishonesty and blatant double standards from the Tories shows them up for the opportunists that they are.
“The Tory council groups in Moray and Aberdeenshire ought to be ashamed of themselves for betraying local businesses by refusing rates relief in Moray, and by trying unsuccessfully to stop the SNP-led administration in Aberdeenshire from providing substantial support of £3 million for local businesses.
“The SNP will take no lectures from the Tories on this issue – and voters will see the shameful hypocrisy at the heart of Tory claims for what it is.”
