Extra support for businesses facing large increases in their rates bills has been described as a "sticking plaster" amid growing calls for wider reform of the system.

Business organisations welcomed the measures set out by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay to ameliorate the impact of the ongoing revaluation of premises but said the associated outcry demonstrated the need for an overhaul.

A Scottish Government review of the business rates system led by former RBS chairman Ken Barclay is due to report in July.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, head of policy for the Scottish Retail Consortium, said the current set-up did not reflect economic or trading conditions and was "no longer fit for purpose".

Read more: Hospitality sector business rate increase capped

He said: "Mr Mackay's announcement today is yet another sticking plaster on the suppurating wound of the unreformed business rates system.

"Today's measures will hopefully help some of the businesses affected by the revaluation, albeit only by adding even further complexity to an already fiendishly complicated system.

"However, it will do little to deal with the underlying problem caused by revaluations which take place too rarely to flex with the economic conditions.

"The Finance Secretary today reaffirmed his commitment to implement the recommendations of the Barclay Commission as swiftly as possible.

"Retailers will hope to see action once the review's conclusions are published later this year."

Read more: Hospitality sector business rate increase capped

Colin Borland, head of devolved nations for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "The sensible measures announced today should provide some comfort for Scotland's vital tourism and hospitality industries.

"Targeted help for the economy of the north east will also be welcomed by local firms."

He added: "The furore associated with this year's revaluation shows why the system is long overdue for reform.

"It's important to note that much of the help outlined today is only funded for one year.

"Therefore, a programme of modernisation must be delivered soon after the Barclay review reports.

"In addition, Scottish councils should considering supplementing these measures with a particular focus on smaller businesses on local high streets and nurseries."

Read more: Hospitality sector business rate increase capped

Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, agreed the additional support, while welcome, did not get to the root of the problem.

She said: "That is why Scottish Chambers of Commerce has proposed a full expert review of the methodology of valuations in the hospitality, motor trade and energy sectors, with a view to ensuring that every business in Scotland can be confident that it is subject to a correct business-rates valuation of its premises.

"This would complement the ongoing work of the Barclay review of business rates, which is a more general and less technical appraisal of the system."