The Scotsman reports that SCOTLAND'S coldest winter in almost half a century cost small firms north of the Border £716 million in lost income, research out today shows.

According to Bank of Scotland (BoS), the winter of 2009-10 – the second coldest ever recorded – hit revenues at seven out of ten small firms, which make up the lifeblood of the Scottish economy.

The cost of the weather rubbed salt in the wounds of many small firms, with 28 per cent already battling to overcome negative growth due to the recession.

More than a third found themselves cut off or had to close their premises during the weather chaos. More than 40 per cent were unable to send and receive supplies due to obstructed delivery routes.

More than a third of Scottish SMEs said the weather cost them up to £10,000 while, for 16 per cent, the bill reached between £10,000 and £30,000. The loss of revenue topped £30,000 for 6 per cent of SMEs.

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