The Close Contact Services Fund will provide a one-off payment to support eligible close contact service businesses impacted by the COVID restrictions and guidance introduced from 9 December 2021 to 24 January 2022 to control the Omicron variant.

The grant is a one-off payment of:

• £1,000 for self-employed businesses
• £1,500 for non-domestic rates (NDR) registered businesses with premises

More details on how to apply will be available shortly.

Businesses which own or rent premises with a non-domestic rates (NDR) account and self-employed individuals offering a close contact service are eligible, if they are registered as one of the following:

• beauty services, including make-up application, tanning, lash extensions and nail treatments
• hairdressing and hair removal services, including shaving, waxing, eyebrow threading and laser hair removal
• spa and wellness services, including manicure, pedicure, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, exfoliation, dermatology and skincare

Further guidance on eligibility is available on the Scottish Government website.