Current status: Answered by Stephen Flynn on 11 June 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what support mechanisms are available to small business owners whose businesses have been significantly impacted by harassment, online abuse or prolonged legal disputes.
Any small business owner who experiences harassment or online abuse can report these matters to the police for consideration of investigation. There are a range of laws which operate that may be relevant depending on the specifics of any harassment and online abuse the business is experiencing such as the threatening or abusive behaviour offence. Operational decisions on criminal investigations are an independent matter for Police Scotland.
All businesses – wherever they are in the country – can access support from a wide variety of public sector organisations through the Find Business Support website.