SCOTS shoppers could be given free cash by the Government in a bid to help the country’s beleaguered high streets.

Last month, the Northern Ireland executive unveiled details of a £95 million retail voucher scheme to be rolled out in 2021, with each household in line for a pre-paid card worth about £200.

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has urged ministers here to do something similar.

Speaking at the Scottish Government’s daily coronavirus briefing, the First Minister said it was being considered.

Asked about the potential for a retail voucher scheme in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon said: “We are looking at that, and considering that. We recognise with all of these things there is an importance of acting quickly just now, so I can’t give you a date for when we’ll make that decision but it’s something that is under consideration.

“Northern Ireland have recently announced an initiative of that nature so obviously we’ll look at their example as well. So I can’t give you a definite answer to the question today, but hopefully we’ll say more about that before too long.”

SRC director David Lonsdale said the scheme could give a “much-needed shot in the arm” to shops and other businesses.

“It is encouraging that Scottish ministers appear to have listened and are responding positively to our calls to consider the potential for a high street voucher scheme.

“The retail industry and our high streets are facing profound challenges at the current time due to a combination of factors including pandemic-induced restrictions and economic downturn, which have weighed on consumer demand.

“If a voucher along the lines envisaged for Northern Ireland is introduced here it could put money into people’s pockets and help get the Scottish economy moving again, giving a much-needed shot in the arm to shops and other consumer-facing firms like eateries in the leaner months early in the new year.

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“Our hope is that any such voucher would trigger additional spending by shoppers and consumers beyond the value of the voucher transaction, creating an even larger economic multiplier.”

Yesterday saw non-essential shops in 11 of Scotland’s local authorities open for the first time in weeks, after a number of areas moved out of the effective lockdown of level 4.

Sturgeon urged people to take care as they headed back into Scotland’s town centres. She said: “As you know, retail premises which were forced to close under the level 4 restrictions – have been able to reopen, since 6am this morning.

“We lifted that restriction a little earlier, in order to help stores manage the expected flow of customers.

“But I can’t emphasise enough that the very last thing we want to see is overcrowding in, or around, shops and shopping centres.

“So I would encourage you, if you live in a level 4 area, I know many of you will be keen to get back to the shops especially this close to Christmas, but please consider whether you can wait a day or two to allow that flow to be managed.

“And if you do go to the shops and you find the one you want to go to is crowded, perhaps come away and go to another one and come back later.”

The First Minister also urged Scots to shop locally, and in small numbers.

“Scotland hit its highest daily number of Covid-19 cases in two weeks yesterday.

The First Minister said 31 coronavirus deaths and 1001 positive tests were recorded in the previous 24 hours.

It brings the total number of deaths under this measure to 4070 and is the highest number of daily cases since November 26, though the daily test positivity rate was 4.6%.