Commenting on new figures from the Office of National Statistics showing that the number of high street retail jobs fell in Scotland fell by 8.6% between 2012 and 2017, Scottish Liberal Democrat economy and fair work spokesperson Katy Gordon said:

“We have seen a series of high profile high street closures in the past few years. Firms are struggling as more customers move online and Brexit uncertainty hits pay packets.

"High street retail is undergoing a process of change and both of Scotland’s governments need to do more to reinvigorate the high streets at the heart of communities.

“That’s why Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling for shared service hubs to ensure communities retain access to critical facilities such as banking, as well as proper reform of the business rates system to encourage firms to maintain a high street presence.”