Campaigners have pledged to continue the fight to save Scotland’s mountain rescue teams from paying £200,000 a year in VAT.
Their counterparts south of the border have won government support, with Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury, announcing in the House of Commons that money was being put aside to help them.
He promised funds would be made available from April and a detailed announcement on how the scheme will work would be made shortly.
Under EU law VAT cannot be refunded directly however, the financial aid will not apply to the Scottish rescue teams because unlike those in England they receive public funds.
The Scottish Government provides £300,000 a year to support the 26 civilian volunteer teams.
Alfie Ingram, chairman of the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland, said, “Our campaign on VAT will continue.”
The teams have a VAT exemption for electrical items but must pay the full rate recently raised to 20% for all other equipment such as boots, clothes and ropes.
The campaign in England was led by Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron.
He said, “I am over the moon that Danny has made this announcement and that mountain rescue will finally get the VAT refund that they so thoroughly deserve for providing such an important service.”