The Scottish tourism industry has been said to be at "at risk of total collapse” amid warnings firms which are the lifeblood of the sector will fail without immediate cash support.

Industry body the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has said this morning that there are more than 2,500 tourism businesses which are receiving no grant support from government as the scale of struggle to keep the local economies afloat becomes apparent. .

READ MORE: It also warned a “stark number” of businesses are being turned down for hardship and others grants.

A group of up and coming independent Scotch whisky distillers have joined forces to stake their claim for a 12-month break from business rates to help them through the Covid-19 pandemic.

READ MORE: Isle of Raasay, Ardnamurchan, Isle of Harris, Holyrood, Nc’nean, Ardnahoe, Kingsbarns, and Lindores have written an open letter to Scottish ministers to underline their eligibility for a one-year holiday from the property tax.

Figures across the Scottish hospitality trade have warned thousands of pubs and restaurants will be not be financially viable as they face being forced to reopen at significantly reduced capacity.

READ MORE: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled a long-awaited roadmap to guide Scotland’s emergence from lockdown, which could see pubs and restaurants open outdoor spaces from the end of June.

As ways of tackling the crisis in the long terms are formulated, proposals have been put together for the construction of a £1 million glass house over a section of Argyle Street in Glasgow’s West End that would allow adjacent bars and restaurants to re-open under social distancing measures.

READ MORE: The plans are being spearheaded by architect John MacLeod, owner of the Crabshakk restaurant in Finnieston. It would cover the block between Kelvingrove and Derby streets, and has been provisionally dubbed “Finnieston Green”.

Meanwhile, an Aberdeen-based hospitality group has signalled its determination to bounce back “even mightier” after securing funds to tide it over the lockdown.

READ MORE: The McGinty’s Group, which has nine venues in the Granite City, has secured a six-figure funding deal under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). The loan, provided by Royal Bank of Scotland, will allow the business to safeguard jobs, premises and to pay suppliers.

Also this week, Danny O’Neil retired as chairman of Glasgow-based plant, tool and equipment-hire company GAP Group after 14 years, having played a key part in its diversification and growth.

READ MORE: Mr O’Neil told The Herald that he had worked with the board on implementing the firm’s furloughing of employees amid the coronavirus crisis prior to his departure.

A landmark listed property in Glasgow city centre built at the height of the Victorian era put on the market this week with a price tag of more than £3 million, with potential for a hotel cited as one possible redevelopment opportunity.

READ MORE: The property, at 2-10 Bothwell Street, was built in 1849. It was redeveloped for occupation by Abbey National, which was acquired by Spanish bank Santander, and is currently a multi-let office space.

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And finally ... Plans for huge new £20m Edinburgh brewery were lodged this week