A boss who faced laying off staff due to the coronavirus crisis has been spared by a council u-turn.
Alan McTaggart, who owns and runs Myles Coachworks in Ayr, had been told his firm failed to qualify for a £25,000 rescue grant.
We told last month how the decision had left Alan fearing for the future.
But his business, also a body repair specialist as part of the Fix Auto franchise, has now won a reprieve.
Council officials have revisited the case – and decided the firm does qualify for support after all.
Alan, 48, said: “It’s a huge relief and fantastic that they’ve seen sense.
“They looked again at the evidence we put forward and thankfully came back saying yes.
“It makes a huge difference as I’d probably have had to let two or three of the team go without that money.
“So it’s a safeguard for the future and a massive lift for everyone.”
The Myles/Fix Auto operation employs 16 at its Green Street base.
But they had been told a Retail Funding Grant would not be forthcoming as they fell into the “automotive” category.
Alan added: “We explained how a lot of our business fell under retail but they came back saying no.
“I think the guidance for our industry was maybe a bit misleading.
“My worry is how many other people would have accepted the decision and not kept chasing it.
A council spokesperson said: “We continue to administer business support grants in accordance with guidance from the Scottish Government.
“Updated guidance was issued and we were happy to award the grant.”
