Last night the embattled finance secretary reiterated that he would not be backing transitional relief across the country.
He added that he would be holding crunch talks with leaders from both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils.
Mr Mackay said: “I proposed a competitive package on business rates in the draft Budget currently before parliament, recognising that each council retains all rates revenue collected to help fund local services.
“The Small Business Bonus Scheme – which has already saved businesses across Scotland more than £1.2billion – will be expanded from April to lift 6,000 Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire properties out of rates completely, and 400 businesses in the area will no longer pay the large business supplement.
“The overall business rates poundage, the core tax rate that applies to the rateable value of business properties, will be cut by 3.7% to 46.6p.
“I recognise the power for councils to reduce rates locally, following the Community Empowerment Act, and am open to considering local options with interested parties.
“However I am not proposing a nationwide transitional relief following the revaluation, as that would benefit large utility companies at the expense of smaller businesses.
“Following my meeting on Friday with Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, I have agreed with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire leaders to explore options urgently and in partnership.”