Leaders warned Scotland risks becoming a ‘tumbleweed area’ over business rates

The leaders of the six main parties in Scotland were together on stage for the first time in this election campaign (Jane Barlow/PA) - (PA Wire)

The leaders of Scotland’s six main political parties have warned the country risks becoming a “tumbleweed area” if business rates are not reformed.

First Minister John Swinney, Russell Findlay, Anas Sarwar, Ross Greer, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Malcolm Offord all appeared at a hustings event organised by the CBI on Thursday – the first such event of the election campaign.