MILLIONS have been given to businesses across the city by the UK government, new figures have shown.

Tens of thousands of business “bounce back” loans and 489 business interruption loans were given to businesses struggling with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bounce back loans, which benefitted 10,574 Glasgow businesses, allow firms to borrow up to £50,000, guaranteed by the government with no fees or interest in the first year.

This saw more than £333 million going to city firms since March.

For companies that were unable to trade because of the lockdown, the government has given small and medium-sized companies in Glasgow £124m worth in loans, of which the state guarantees 80% and pays the interest and fees for a year.

Glasgow Central was the constituency to benefit most from the cash, with 4,671 loans offered to businesses in the area.

The East End saw 1,305 loans offered to firms, worth over £51m.

Businesses in Glasgow North, including large parts of the West End and Maryhill were offered 987 loans, those in the North East, including firms in Dennistoun, Springburn and Royston saw offers of 947 loans.

In Glasgow North West, which comprises Yoker, Knightswood, Anniesland, Scotstoun and Drumchapel, 912 loans were offered, the lowest number in Scotland.

Businesses in Cathcart, Castlemilk, Mount Florida and Pollokshaws in the Glasgow South constituency were offered 1,132 loans from the government.

In Glasgow South West, which is made up of Govan, Cardonald, Pollok and Crookston, businesses were offered 1,109 loans.

Across Scotland, the Treasury gave out £2.9 billion in loans with 79,000 businesses benefitting from the extra cash.

Leader of the Tory group on Glasgow city council, councillor Thomas Kerr said: “This support for businesses across Glasgow from the UK Government is hugely welcome.

“It once again shows how Rishi Sunak has stepped up and supported jobs and livelihoods right across Scotland, including in my own patch of Glasgow East.

“Hundreds of businesses have been supported through this pandemic in Glasgow, thanks to the UK Government.

“They have shown their plan to protect jobs and livelihoods across Scotland.