First Minister Humza Yousaf claims there is “no case” for the Scottish government to pay compensation to businesses over the delayed deposit return scheme.
The First Minister claimed any failure of delivery was down to the UK Government blocking the roll-out.
He told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “We don’t believe there’s a case for the Scottish Government to need to compensate because the action we’ve had to take is because of that 11th hour, last-minute intervention from the UK Government, which has meant that a Scottish scheme, unfortunately, isn’t viable.”
Pete Cheema, Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers Federation, told the BBC that the trade body was pursuing compensation from the government.
He said: “Businesses will have machines that have glass in scope and now it’s out of scope. So we’ve got a problem with making sure those machines can be refurbished.”
In addition, the NFRN said it is “seeking legal advice on this matter”.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the British Soft Drinks Association, which represents Coca-Cola, Irn-Bru makers AG Barr and Britvic, is seeking “urgent discussion” with the Scottish government on compensation for costs caused by the delay.
Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive at Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Compensation should be considered for firms which have already spent considerable time, investment, and resource into preparing for two separate go live dates.”
