The Scottish Nationalists yesterday promised to help small businesses flourish in the high street by abolishing business rates for 120,000 and reducing them for a further 30,000.

"All businesses with a rateable value up to £15,000 will get huge reductions," Alex Salmond, party leader, said during a visit to a shop in Great Northern Road, Aberdeen, which has several empty units as near neighbours.

"I want to see our high streets flourishing once again and give business such as this - which was derelict before the present occupier moved in - a boost.

"I want to see our town and village centres reoccupied with thriving businesses. The biggest constraint on small businesses either expanding or starting up is the heavy burden of business rates which sometimes make up 20% of overheads."

Mr Salmond said the move would give small businesses the opportunity to compete against the big battalions.

He added: "We propose to abolish business rates for all businesses with a rateable value of £8000 or less. This will directly benefit 120,000 businesses across Scotland.

"We shall also help a further 30,000 companies by providing rate relief of 25% and 50% for businesses with a rateable value between £8000 and £15,000."

Meanwhile, one of Britain's leading economists has endorsed the SNP, although the support comes with a sting in the tail.

John Kay, former professor of business management at Oxford University, has said Scotland would have to give up its "wha's like us" self-congratulation, as well as its sense of grievance.

But if it did, he believes it is similar to other small independent nations in being well-placed to thrive in the modern global economy.