AGCC chief Russell Borthwick has thrown his support behind the Press & Journal's Fresh Start campaign, saying the changes could help "bring vibrancy, footfall and energy back to high streets."
The campaign led by The P&J, The Courier and The Sunday Post is urging reform to business rates relief, to bring empty commercial properties back into use and support Scotland’s local economies.
Russell Borthwick said the current rules are holding back one of the most effective measures available to help bring empty shops and commercial premises back into use.
He said: “Fresh Start relief has the potential to be one of the most effective tools available to help breathe new life into Scotland’s struggling town and city centres – but the current six-month void requirement is holding it back.
“Removing that barrier would give more businesses the confidence to take on empty premises, benefit from a valuable one-year rates-free period and invest that cash directly into jobs, fit-outs and growth.
“It would also create far greater flexibility for landlords and incoming tenants to support pop-up shops and short-term concepts which can bring vibrancy, footfall and energy back to high streets without penalising either party.”
Read more in the P&J.