SCOTTISH Labour has accused the SNP of overseeing Scotland’s “decades of decline” on the high streets as new figures show that town centres are rife with vacant properties.

In 2023-24, the town centre vacancy rate in Scotland hit 12.3 per cent after rising for the second consecutive year.

In South Ayrshire, the average rate was a staggering 35.3 per cent, while in Aberdeen City Council it was 20.7 per cent.

Scottish Labour criticised the SNP’s failure to pass on business rates relief received by businesses in England.

In previous years this relief was not passed on at all and this year retail businesses and larger hospitality businesses in Scotland missed out.

Scottish Labour has renewed pledges to support high streets by delivering fair funding for local government and by reforming business rates to level the playing field between local businesses and online giants.

Scottish Labour economy spokesman Daniel Johnson said: “The SNP has overseen decades of decline in Scotland’s high streets.

“From our iconic cities to our small towns, high streets right across Scotland have been laid to waste by this SNP government.”

The Scottish government was approached for comment.