Staff shortage hits opening of several businesses in Highlands' major retail hotspot, the Eastgate Centre, with coronavirus the prime suspect

SEVERAL businesses in the Eastgate Centre have been hit by staff shortages and although not officially confirmed, it is thought the Covid pandemic is behind the closures or reduced hours.

They included the Royal Bank of Scotland which didn't open at all this week, but hopes to resume operations this Friday, January 7.

Costa was serving takeaway only due to staff shortage, and jeweller Ernest Jones was opening 11am to 4pm for a similar reason.

The Body Shop was closed yesterday morning but there was no sign saying why.

Eastgate Centre manager Jackie Cuddy said: "We suspect that this is all related to Covid in some way, perhaps with people isolating, but it looks as though things will be getting back to normal on Friday. Let's hope so."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.