The Scottish Government has announced a one year cut on business rates for Tata Steel plants in Scotland.

Rates at the Clydebridge and Dalzell steel mills are set to be reduced from April.

Business Minister Fergus Ewing revealed legislation for a one year relief on rates will be put forward by ministers as the government searches for a buyer for the two plants.

The relief will be available to any new operator provided the sites continue to be used to produce steel.

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"The Scottish Government is acting to support the Scottish steel industry and is making every effort to attract potential buyers for the two plants," Mr Ewing said.

"This relief on business rates is a powerful signal of the value we place on securing an alternative operator, and helping them to cut costs. It initially applies for one year, as we have already secured agreement that the Assessor will take the state of the steel industry into account for the 2017 revaluation. Together, these actions demonstrate that we are using the levers available to us.

"We continue to work constructively with Task Force partners to ensure a viable future for the plants, with action also being taken on energy costs, procurement and on environmental issues."

Mr Ewing added the government is investing £195,000 to keep key workers on standby in order to ensure "full manufacturing capability."

(LM/CD)