Easter Ross businessman in call for 'much, much more' affordable housing as he picks up SCDI Crown Estates Coastal Community Award for rapidly expanding Highland Coast Hotels
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THE well-known Easter Ross winner of an SCDI Crown Estates Coastal Community Award has spoken of the value of a strong hospitality industry and visitor economy – and pressed the case for "much, much more" affordable housing in the Highlands.
The award was open to businesses and organisations which have played a positive role in supporting coastal communities to survive and thrive in challenging of times, whether through creating new employment and economic opportunities, delivering regeneration and sustainable development or connecting communities.
David Whiteford of Highland Coast Hotels was praised for taking an all-encompassing approach to supporting local communities and sourcing local suppliers where possible.
The company now has established a local community liaison group and offers a discount card for locals. The award citation noted staff are paid above the living wage,with around 50 new roles created since inception.
David Whiteford of Highland Coast Hotels – well-known for his involvement making the NC500 a globally recognised route – hailed his “hugely committed colleagues”.
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He added: “I think many of the businesses represented here would agree that quality hospitality and a strong visitor economy is key to stimulating further investment and encouraging employees and their families to come and live in this amazing region and in so doing allows the economy to grow and prosper sustainably.
“What we do need though for that to happen is for Government to provide much improved infrastructure in all its forms and crucially much, much more affordable housing.”
Some 43 per cent of their suppliers are within 25 miles of the NC500, and an additional 45 per cent are Scottish. Work to the hotels will put £4 million into the local economy over two years. And it is working with UHI on hospitality courses.
