Slow start but the signs are promising, says hotel boss

A SLOW start is how Caithness businessman Andrew Mackay described trade at two of his hotels which reopened this week following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Mr Mackay opened the Norseman in Wick and the Pentland in Thurso on Wednesday. He has not yet reopened the Castletown Hotel.

"It has been a slow start but the signs are promising," he said. "It is very slow compared with what we would normally expect at this time in July. Wednesday was very quiet.

"People are understandably a bit apprehensive and it will take time to get them back. What we want to do is to make it an enjoyable experience for the customer. It is all about hospitality and service and getting the right balance."

He explained that the hotels are following the guidelines laid down by the Scottish Government and carrying out the track and trace procedures as required.

Mr Mackay said staff are pleased to be back at work. "Some are comfortable with it while others are a bit more apprehensive but in general they are keen to be back serving the customers," he added.

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