NEARLY £67 million of Covid business support cash has not been dished out despite the vital scheme closing to new applicants.

SNP ministers were last night accused by industry chiefs of “sitting on” the unspent pot and risking “businesses, jobs and livelihoods”.

The money is left over from cash announced by Nicola Sturgeon for struggling firms forced to reintroduce strict measures following the emergence of Omicron in December.

This led to nightclubs being shut, a ban on mass events and restrictions for the hospitality industry including social distancing and table service only.

In January the First Minister announced £188.8 million of funds. But so far just £121.9 million of this has been allocated.

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