ALMOST £13million has been paid out to East Lothian businesses through a Government grant scheme with more than 1,110 businesses receiving funds.

East Lothian Council said its team received 1,282 application and has made 1,117 awards totalling just under £13million since the business grant support was introduced.

Councillor John McMillan, the local authority’s spokesman for economic development, said: “I sincerely hope these grants help local businesses survive the current crisis and I hope to see them thrive once we’re out of lockdown and into the recovery phase.

“I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the teams who have been working really hard to get these payments processed. They understand how important it is to get this money to businesses as soon as possible.

“I know there will be some organisations who haven’t met the criteria for these government grants and I would urge anyone who is worried about their business or their employment to visit the council website at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/coronavirus where there are contact details, information and links to other organisations – all aimed at helping businesses and employees access the support that’s right for them. We will continue to support our businesses and workforce as much as we can throughout the Coronavirus crisis.”

Businesses can continue to apply for the support grants right up to the end of the current financial year – March 31, 2021.

Support is also available for the financial year for those who are self-employed.

More details are on the council website.