Level four restrictions a 'hammer blow' for hospitality sector, says Caithness hotel boss
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The decision to place the whole of mainland Scotland in the highest level of coronavirus restrictions has been described by a Caithness hotel boss as a "hammer blow" for the hospitality sector.
Andrew Mackay was speaking after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's announcement that all parts of the country except the islands will move to level four on Boxing Day to prevent the spread of a highly contagious new strain of Covid-19.
Pubs, cafés and restaurants must close from the morning of December 26, although takeaway will be allowed. The level four restrictions will last for at least three weeks.
"The jump from level one to level four was a big shock," said Mr Mackay, co-owner of the Caithness Collection, comprising the Pentland Hotel in Thurso, the Norseman in Wick and the Castletown Hotel.
"This latest lockdown is a bit of a hammer blow. It's devastating.
"We've been doing what we can to stay within the guidelines and keep the business operating and keep everybody employed, and then this comes out of the blue.
"I don't underestimate the decisions that they've had to make. You're talking about lives and not economies – I do understand that. This new strain must be quite scary for them to take such decisions.
"I looked on Friday night and the figure for positive cases in the Highlands was 20 in 100,000. We were still maintaining a good level of control.
"My worry is that they've extended furlough until April and that's not a good sign."
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation can remain open to those staying for essential work purposes.
"If there's a demand from key workers then we would do that in one of our hotels if required, but it would depend upon the demand," Mr Mackay said. "That's what we did in the last lockdown.
"It's all about looking after our core customers as well, who are with us 12 months of the year. But we've got our health so we're very lucky."
Mervyn Hill, who runs the Nethercliffe Hotel in Wick with his wife Helen, said they felt sorry for customers who will not be able to socialise in hospitality settings.
“It's a devastating blow for the hospitality sector, especially at this time of year," Mr Hill said.
"When you see what's happening in the UK and all over Europe it's not unexpected. We have to go with what we are being told by the scientific advisers who are worried about this new strain of Covid.
“We really feel sorry for all the customers who traditionally at this time of year are on holiday and like to get out and about and enjoy themselves over the festive period. It's certainly going to be a very different Christmas and New Year for them.
“We can understand why they are shutting us down again, but it is kind of difficult over the Christmas period.”
The Nethercliffe will be closing early on Christmas Eve and “that'll be us until we're allowed to reopen”, Mr Hill said.
He added: “The cases seem to be rocketing again. They're extending furlough until the end of April, so you just wonder if this is going to carry on longer.
“You just feel sorry for all the punters. They like to go out for a pint and meet each other in the pub.”
Anthony Kevill, general manager of the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk, said 2020 had been "a nightmarish year" for the sector.
"This second lockdown is without question another crippling blow to the hospitality industry, and we and many other local business within the sector will undoubtedly feel the impact," Mr Kevill said.
"The move into tier four for the Highlands could be seen as overkill, although it does seem to be a necessary evil which we have to overcome in order to return to taking both corporate and leisure guests back through our doors again and, just as important, to enable us to open to our local customers for food and beverage sales.
"We have a duty of care to our staff and guests alike and will continue to follow the guidelines set by Holyrood.
"This has indeed been a nightmarish year for hotels and the hospitality segment worldwide, and we will be doing all we possibly can to ensure a fast return to what we do best. I just hope that there are sufficient measures put in place by the government to enable us to do so and help us all recover from this terrible pandemic."
Mackays Hotel in Wick will still be providing accommodation for key workers and will offer a pre-booked takeaway service.
“There are more difficult times ahead for hospitality and other industries with the knock-on effect to suppliers, especially the local ones, as a result of the restaurants closing," owner Ellie Lamont said.
"We will still offer our apartments and hotel rooms to key workers and will be offering a pre-booked takeaway service in the run-up to New Year.
"The effect of this on everyone will take its toll mentally. I had certainly hoped 2021 would be a new start. Hopefully this lockdown will work and everyone will be safe at the other end.”
Andrew Mowat, manager of the Seaview Hotel at John O'Groats, said: "We were shocked with the announcement – we didn’t expect it.
"This is traditionally a busy period for the hospitality industry. But we have to respect the decisions taken and do our bit to protect our community, family and friends.
"With the furlough scheme continuing to run, it at least makes sure all our staff still have employment and income, which is the most important thing, with most living in the surrounding community.
"We have had many disappointed phone calls and emails in the last few days as all our tourist trade for the rest of December and early January is cancelled, but we will remain open for any key/essential workers and will carry on a takeaway service.
"Our community has been a great support to our business, for which we are very grateful, and we would like to wish everyone all the best for Christmas and hopefully a much better and more prosperous New Year."
