Ross-shire hospitality trade faces double whammy from 'disastrous' coronavirus restrictions, says business leader
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A business leader has flagged fears of a devastating double whammy for a number of Ross-shire hospitality traders fearing for the future after new coronavirus restrictions .
"Disastrous" restrictions imposed by the Scottish Government yesterday prompted one Dingwall businessman to decry "another nail in the coffin" for many in the hospitality business.
And the Highland development manager of the Federation of Small Businesses admitted there's more at stake for many.
"Hospitality businesses across the Ross-shire will be horrified at the First Minister’s announcement. With some three months’ trading under their belts since unlocking, squeezing every last penny out of the season has been of paramount importance to their long-term viability, and now they are seeing what for many will be the premature ending of the 2020 tourist season."
David Richardson said: "It’s not just about the viability of businesses and the precious jobs that go with them. First, the presence of hospitality businesses plays a massive role in the quality of life enjoyed by local communities, their closure affecting almost everyone, and second, there is the mental health of business owners to consider.
"These are people who have complied with every challenge that has been thrown at them since this nightmare began last March, and many are now seeing their hopes and dreams for the future put in jeopardy."
Mr Richardson said: "Hospitality businesses across the Ross-shire will be horrified at the First Minister’s announcement. With some three months’ trading under their belts since unlocking, squeezing every last penny out of the season has been of paramount importance to their long-term viability, and now they are seeing what for many will be the premature ending of the 2020 tourist season.
"Moreover, while it is still perfectly permissible for people from the Central Belt to holiday in the Highlands, there appears to be confusion, and there are lots of reports of cancellations.
“Not only will these additional restrictions pile even more pressure on hospitality businesses at an extremely delicate time, they will have a significant knock-on impact on our tourism sector as a whole, the hospitality supply chain, and on night-time economy operators like taxi drivers and takeaways. How many businesses will be forced to close as a result?"
He said that while the £40million relief fund was welcomed, the detail had yet to emerge.
He said: "Owners must now take major and very urgent decisions about their businesses’ futures, and they need to know where they stand before doing so. FSB Scotland will work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that individual schemes are devised as quickly as possible, and that the money reaches those businesses in greatest need – including those indirectly affected by the changes – in the shortest possible time.”
Read the full story in this week's Ross-shire Journal.
Related: New coronavirus restrictions put in place by First Minister
Highland Council welcomes 'targeted' approach
Fears lockdown will spell disaster for business
