Ross-shire businesses braced for new Covid-19 restrictions as battle to contain virus stepped up
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A NUMBER of Ross businesses preparing for a new Covid-19 lockdown and still uncertain of the impact of Brexit were this week braced for a battle for survival.
Highland economist Tony Mackay said the near-lockdown coming into force on Boxing Day was “undoubtedly very bad news for Ross-shire businesses”, particularly its vital tourism and hospitality sector.
Fearing some “will be forced permanently out of business”, he said the county might actually fare better than the Highland capital, with home workers in places such as Dingwall and Alness supporting local business.
The impact of Level 4 restrictions and transportation delays at Dover owing to concerns in Europe over the new strain of Covid-19 has hit highly respected firms such as Dingwall-based Keltic Seafare which supplies customers across the UK and Europe.
Managing director Alasdair Hughson said that while the company had managed to make deliveries to France, the situation was fluid. He added: “It’s a bit of a perfect storm, with many people trying to clear stock.
“We are continuing to collect shellfish this week in the hope of getting it out next. It is a roll of the dice.” Acknowledging tough times and the possibility of returning to the furlough scheme, he said: “At least we are still here.”
Fledgling Dingwall coffee shop Heartworn Coffee, which only opened a month ago, has been encouraged by regulars to stay open – albeit on restricted hours.
Jordan Milliken (31) said; “I am a little bit nervous about what lies ahead in January, but we have been well received so far. I have had quite a few customers who have said they will still come in, in spite of the changes, so that is looking good for us. People seem to want as much normality as possible. If that means a nice coffee, then we want to be able to provide that.”
Cromarty Firth councillor Maxine Smith, a small business owner, said for many it was a gloomy outlook.
She admitted to being shocked the Highlands was going into Level 4 restrictions which would hit many hard. She said: “It’s about saving lives and protecting the NHS so we all have to just get on with it. It doesn’t stop my heart going out to those people who will lose their livelihoods through this despicable disease though.”
She added: “It’s a gloomy Christmas this year for many who will miss seeing loved ones. My son was flying home from Azerbaijan where he works in the oil industry. We have not seen him for almost a year, but it’s not now going to happen.”
Business leaders appealed to shoppers to support local firms wherever possible.
David Richardson, Highland manager of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "For the many Ross-shire businesses struggling to recover after a very poor year, the sudden leap from Level 1 to Level 4 will come as a complete shock, as it will for those in the wider Highlands & Moray. First there’s the whole question of lost takings, then there’s the problem of stock holdings, many businesses having been left with excess stock after the first lockdown, then again in the autumn, and now from Boxing Day.
"Staffing is another major issue, Highland job-seeker numbers having already increased by 98 per cent since March, and last but not least, delayed school re-openings present a significant problem for working couples too.
“There are limits to how much loss and stress our businesses can take, which explains why FSB Scotland is calling for governments in Edinburgh and London to ensure that announcements on new restrictions are accompanied at the same time by information on how affected businesses will be supported. It must be made available to struggling business as and when they need it, not delayed for weeks while discussions take place about how best to do so.
“But we all have a part to play, for in supporting our local, independent businesses we are supporting our communities and the standard of living and quality of life that we all enjoy. Keeping trade local really matters.”
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