Trade 'very good' says Caithness hotelier after easing of restrictions
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Caithness hotelier Andrew Mowat described business as "very good" on Monday following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
The new rules mean that hotels and pubs can now sell alcohol indoors until 10.30pm.
Mr Mowat, who runs the Seaview Hotel in John O’Groats, was pleased with the response from the public. "It was very good. It was like somebody turning on a switch," he said.
"I was surprised how much busier we were. People were coming in to eat and have a drink. We had a lot of visitors but locals as well, and we have had a few people in today."
Mr Mowat is hoping the vaccine roll-out and the easing of restrictions will bring "some light at the end of the tunnel" after a difficult 14 months.
Andrew Mackay, who runs hotels in Wick, Thurso and Castletown, said it would take time to re-establish trade again.
"It is going to be a slow build up.
"People are getting more confident about coming out for coffees and meals but there is no rush.
"We were busy with residents mainly on Monday and that was similar across our hotels," he said.
Mr Mackay is hoping trade will get a boost this season as more people decide to holiday in the UK because of the difficulties of travelling abroad.
As from Monday, people have been allowed to hug their loved ones and meet in private homes as most of mainland Scotland moves to level two, with restrictions being eased on hospitality, entertainment, education and sport.
