Swinney Warns of 'Tumbleweed' High Streets Due to Rates Hikes

First Minister faces questions on business challenges at Edinburgh event.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting depicting an empty high street in a small Scottish town, with closed storefronts and a few solitary pedestrians, conveying a sense of economic decline and urban decay.The threat of 'tumbleweed' high streets looms as rising business costs strain local retailers in Scotland.Edinburgh Today

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney was challenged about the impact of rising business rates on the country's high streets during a recent business hustings event in Edinburgh. Swinney acknowledged the strain that rate increases are placing on local retailers and warned of the risk of 'tumbleweed' high streets if the issue is not addressed.

Why it matters

Small businesses and local retailers have faced mounting pressures in recent years, including the rise of e-commerce, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and now significant increases in operating costs like commercial property taxes. Swinney's comments highlight the political stakes around this issue as the Scottish government seeks to support its urban centers and main streets.

The details

During the Edinburgh business event, Swinney was pressed on the impact that rising business rates are having on local shops and restaurants. The First Minister acknowledged the strain, saying 'We have to be very mindful of the impact that business rates are having on our high streets.' He warned that without action, the result could be 'tumbleweed' high streets, referring to the desolate appearance of abandoned commercial districts.

  • The business hustings event took place on April 2, 2026 in Edinburgh.

The players

John Swinney

The First Minister of Scotland, who leads the Scottish National Party government.

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What they’re saying

“We have to be very mindful of the impact that business rates are having on our high streets.”

— John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland

“Without action, the result could be 'tumbleweed' high streets.”

— John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland

What’s next

The Scottish government is expected to review its business rates policies in the coming months to determine if further relief or reforms are needed to support local retailers.

The takeaway

Swinney's comments underscore the growing political pressure on the Scottish government to address the financial challenges facing small businesses and high street shops, which are essential to the vitality of the country's urban centers.