Charity shops across Scotland are facing growing pressure as major charities warn of closures amid rising operating costs and a challenging retail environment.

The warning comes after the British Heart Foundation announced plans to close around 150 charity shops across the UK, representing almost a quarter of its retail estate.

The charity said the decision had been driven by what it described as an exceptionally challenging trading environment.

Cancer Research UK has also announced plans to close around 190 high street shops by April 2027, citing rising costs, inflationary pressures, changing consumer habits and higher National Insurance contributions.

Meanwhile, disability charity Scope has already closed more than 50 stores, with rising rents, energy bills, staffing costs and wider cost of living pressures all highlighted as contributing factors.

The closures have prompted fresh political debate about the impact of rising business costs on charities, retailers and high street organisations.

Many charity shops play an important role within local communities, providing affordable clothing, furniture, household goods and children’s items while raising money for vital charitable work.

In towns and villages across the Highlands, charity shops are often a familiar part of the high street, supporting both local shoppers and national causes.

The issue has become increasingly significant as charities attempt to balance rising costs with maintaining frontline services and fundraising activities.

SNP Business spokesperson Chris Law MP said:

“Labour Party tax hikes are wiping charity shops from local high streets across Scotland and the UK.

“The Labour Party’s National Insurance tax hike has been devastating for businesses and public services and now the figures show it will see scores of charity shops wiped from our local high streets.

“The National Insurance tax hike isn’t just another broken Labour Party manifesto promise, it is a highly-destructive policy that is destroying jobs and making the trading environment impossible for many good local businesses.

“At a time when families are suffering from the soaring cost of living crisis under the Labour government, it benefits no one to see our valued local charity shops forced to shut their doors because of Westminster tax hikes, which are raising their costs by millions of pounds.

“Charity shops play an important role in our communities by helping families get access to everyday goods and essentials at value-for-money prices, including clothing, furniture, appliances, kitchenware and children’s toys.

“And, of course, they raise vital money to help charities improve our society through the good work they do in a wide range of areas.

“They are the latest victims of the Labour government’s NI tax hike, which has also hit the hospitality industry, the tourism sector, and many other businesses.

“It is creating a toxic environment that is forcing businesses to raise their prices, cut jobs, squeeze wages, slash investment and, in some cases, shut shop altogether.

“I urge the Labour government to think again and scrap its National Insurance tax hike, which has done so much damage to our high street and businesses right across Scotland.”