The future of The Village indoor market, which is breathing new life into Inverness city centre, is at risk following a ruling by the Highland and Western Isles valuation appeal committee.

It has ruled the venture be treated as one store rather than small individual businesses. The judgement means that the traders are unable to apply for small business rates relief, leaving an unaffordable rates bill of more than £42,000.

Given the committee has acknowledged it was "a difficult marginal case", we demand the decision be overturned.