The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fears for resort jobs
Staff positions at risk after Highland timeshare club shuts down
Bosses have shut down a popular Perthshire tourist resort, placing a question mark over dozens of jobs.
The Loch Rannoch Highland Club closes its doors today, and no one knows when it will reopen. The committee in charge of the complex, made up of 85 timeshare flats, has blamed government-imposed travel restrictions.
They say some of the 26 employees will be furloughed, with a skeleton crew expected to run the site while it is closed.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has described the announcement as “hugely concerning”, while disgruntled members have questioned the need for closure.
It follows a turbulent summer of staff sackings and walk-outs which sparked a bitter divide, with timeshare owners now demanding the resignation of the committee, who they blame for months of upheaval.
Meanwhile, a police investigation is under way into “financial irregularities” after the dismissal of the previous manager.
The sudden closure of a top Perthshire holiday resort has sparked fears for local jobs. Bosses at the Loch Rannoch Highland Club announced a temporary shutdown, blaming localised lockdowns and travel restrictions.
It is not known when the timeshare complex will be able to reopen.
The popular club, which overlooks Loch Rannoch, has 26 staff and more than 3,800 members around the world.
The surprise decision to close from today follows a turbulent time among employees and owners, with a further flare- up earlier this week.
The Courier understands a furious row among senior staff prompted talks of a mass walkout.
Problems began at the club earlier this year when several staff were sacked, including the general manager.
Contract workers were brought in a few weeks later but many of them quit, alleging they were “screamed” at by a senior member of staff.
Disgruntled timeshare owners are now demanding the resignation of the committee, who they blame for months of upheaval.
Meanwhile, a police investigation is under way into“financial irregularities” following the dismissal of the previous manager.
In an email sent to club members, chairman Cliff Hunter wrote: “Unfortunately, as the pandemic continues to affect the entire UK in a number of different ways, maintaining operations and returning profit to support the sustainability of the club has been difficult.
“The recent localised measures introduced in Scotland on November 2, which restrict travel across much of the country, and the full national lockdown in England has a huge impact on the club.”
He confirmed the club will close “until further notice”, adding: “The aim will be to safely reopen the club at the earliest opportunity, but at present a date cannot be provided for when this will be.”
A spokesman said that a “skeleton crew” would look after the club while it is closed, but was unable to say how many staff would be furloughed.
He accepted there had been an “issue” involving senior staff this week but said that had been resolved.
During closure, members will continue to pay annual fees of between £350 and £500, which covers one week every year.
Timeshare owner Ann Blyth, who is also proprietor of the Perthbased UK Resort Exchange, questioned the decision.
“Local people in the village and the surrounding area, especially the businesses, depend on our resort for their very survival ,” she said, describing the email from Mr Hunter as “the last straw”.
She said: “There is concern that they also mention the club is suffering financial concerns.
“There is absolutely no need to close our club, it needs to remain open for its very survival and the wellbeing and mental health of all staff.”
Local SNP MSP John Swinney said the closure announcement was a “hugely concerning development”.
He said: “I am currently seeking further clarity on the status of the club going forward, and any potential job losses that may arise as a result of this decision.”
Highland ward councillor Mike Williamson said: “It’s imperative that workers are given answers as a matter of urgency.”