Small businesses may not have to comply with Scotland’s bottle return scheme straight away, according to the circular economy minister.

Lorna Slater told the BBC she was “actively considering” a grace period.

SNP leadership candidates have now said they would propose changes to the scheme due to launch in August.

It is designed to boost recycling via a 20p deposit on single-use drinks bottles and cans.

Critics say the deposit return scheme will present significant costs and risks for businesses while putting more pressure on consumers.

Speaking to the BBC’s The Sunday Show, Ms. Slater that she was in discussions over a possible grace period.

She also said she had spoken to businesses about their concerns ahead of the sign-up deadline on 28 February, but added the scheme was “definitely going ahead”.

Ms. Slater said: “There are two things in line here – one is signing up with the scheme administrator and the deadline for that is Tuesday. That is the registration process.

“In terms of actively getting their product on the shelf and making sure the labeling is right and so forth, we will then work with small producers going forward to bring them into the scheme in a pragmatic way that works for them. That’s two different deadlines.”

In response to a media request today from a national newspaper on DRS,

Dr. Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive, of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“For too long our concerns over the DRS have not been fully addressed by the Scottish Government and at times ignored altogether.

“It’s been clear to the business community for some time that operating this poorly designed scheme in its current form is impossible and is adding unnecessary cost pressures on businesses.

“We are not alone in voicing our concerns. All three candidates for the Scottish National Party leadership have expressed their reservations too.

“It is abundantly clear to all involved that the roll-out of the scheme has to be paused immediately and then reviewed in partnership with the business community.

“The scheme must be made cost-effective for firms and better aligned with DRS plans in the rest of the UK.”