Scottish industry has saved £550,000 thanks to efforts by Scotland's environment agency to promote economic recovery.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) worked with the Scottish Government to identify ways to help save businesses money in the current economic climate. A range of measures were announced in November.

So far the flagship measure, waiving fees for environmental permits, has benefited businesses to the tune of £344,000 with 1,545 fees waived.

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The waiver of licence fees for the disposal of sheep dip has saved farmers around £160,000 (with further savings estimated at £133,000 in 2009-10).

The waiver of fees for water abstraction licences has saved over 70 rural businesses £46,000.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "This Government is doing all in its power to take action to stimulate growth, ease the burden faced by business and ensure our economy is well-positioned for recovery.

"By waiving the fees SEPA charges its customers, the majority of them rural businesses, we are supporting the farming, fishing, forestry and food industries that are the lifeblood of the rural economy and our rural communities."

Minister Cunningham said by the end of this financial year thousands of businesses will have saved money which can be invested elsewhere strengthening the economy as a whole.

(GK/JM)