UK holiday market could give boost to trade, says Caithness hotelier
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Caithness hotelier Andrew Mackay is hoping for a boost from the UK holiday market this summer following the easing of Covid restrictions.
Mr Mackay, who runs the Pentland in Thurso, the Norseman in Wick and the Castletown Hotel, welcomed the measures outlined this week by Nicola Sturgeon and said they could help the industry recover from the impact of coronavirus, especially as more people are likely to take breaks in the UK due to worries about travelling abroad.
However, he is concerned that the condition of the potholed roads in the county may put people off.
“Our trade will depend on the domestic market. We have a bigger window this year with restrictions being eased in April rather than in July as it was last year,” Mr Mackay said.
“Our summer trade is important as it can help finance the rest of the business for the winter but our winter trade is a big concern.”
However, he added: “We are hoping to get a local boost from staycation trade and hope business will be better than last year.”
Trudy Morris, chief executive of the Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said it was unacceptable the Scottish Government should introduce “new and convoluted guidance for businesses” just a few days before the hospitality sector reopens.
She said “the messaging and delivery has been so poor as to leave significant confusion as to what businesses are legally required to do and what is merely advisory”.
Ms Morris added: “We hope the government will recognise the efforts businesses have made to operate safely and sensibly throughout the pandemic and empower them to reopen with a set of sensible guidelines that enables them to get back on their feet.”
David Richardson, the Highlands and Islands development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said many firms will be “breathing immense sighs of relief” with the easing of restrictions and hoping for “a really busy summer”.
He said: “What matters now is that we all, private individuals and public bodies, do all we can to support our local businesses.
“We would also like to see Highland and other Scottish councils kick-starting local economies by funding high-street stimulus schemes via local, pre-paid gift cards. In other words, giving money to local people to spend in local businesses.
“This might sound revolutionary but it is not without precedent and it would have an immediate impact.”
North MP Jamie Stone said it was important that the vaccine rollout across the far north and other parts of the UK was “rolled out at the fastest possible speed” so that the easing of restrictions could be enjoyed safely as people travel more.
