Scottish Conservative pressure has resulted in an SNP U-turn that will save Live Borders £1 million.

The SNP Government so called ‘swim tax’ would have seen a tax on Live Borders facilities that would have amounted to £1,079,448.

Had the ‘Swim Tax’ passed, business rates relief would have been removed from arm’s length external organisations. The decision would have been catastrophic for the Borders.

Rachael Hamilton MSP said: "The SNPs ‘Swim Tax’ would have been a huge blow to Live Borders and seriously impacted sport and culture in the Borders.

"I am glad the SNP has bowed to Scottish Conservative pressure and common sense and not introduced this damaging tax.

"As a result Live Borders is saved from a whopping £1 million bill."