For some days now, the P&J has reported on punitive increases in business rates bills that are hitting companies across the north east.

Large employers and small firms alike are warning about the impact rises of up to 250% could have on the local economy.

The message is very clear – this will hamper growth and lead to job losses at a time when tens of thousands of posts have already been shed.

I raised this at First Minister’s Questions yesterday, as this is an area in which the SNP government can help at a time when our economy is lagging badly behind the rest of the UK.

I used just two examples – Precision Oil Tools in Kintore and the Score Group in Peterhead.

But there are countless others – in hospitality, retail and agriculture- who are in the same boat.

Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, an organisation which could never be accused of hyperbole, has said some firms could go to the wall.

Even the SNP Provost in Aberdeenshire has said there is an argument for government intervention.

Despite all of this, Nicola Sturgeon yesterday completely failed to recognise the severity of the situation facing the North East area.

Incredibly, she chose to blame Brexit for the state of our economy – despite figures showing that growth across the UK as a whole is currently three times of that in Scotland.

It is very disappointing that our first minister appears unwilling to support companies in this area, who are speaking clearly and with one voice on this issue.

I know a delegation from the north-east will be making their case to the Scottish Government in Edinburgh very soon.

I fully support those efforts and sincerely hope that a temporary solution can be found to ease the pressure on local firms.