Hotel bid is about ‘survival’

Hotel owners in Killin say creating some self-catering accommodation could be their only hope of survival for the business after lockdown.

The owners of the Bridge of Lochay Hotel say there were challenges before the coronavirus pandemic, but lockdown has significantly increased pressure on trade.

Bob Stevenson and Amanda Clark have applied to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners for a change of use of chalet staff accommodation into one holiday accommodation unit. They are also seeking to site two“pods”in the grounds, relocate the hotel entrance and put up a boundary fence.

In a business case submitted to the planners, their agents said they were one of the longest-standing hands-on custodians of the property, having moved there from Edinburgh more than 10 years ago with a dream to create a hotel and restaurant business.

They added:“Over the years the business has grown, Bob and Amanda have built a core of regular clients who repeat visit, have built a great team of local staff and built a great reputation for good food, warm welcome and comfortable accommodation.

“Over the past couple of years this growth has slowed (specifically European couples and groups and possibly due to Brexit) and as a result (all pre Covid 19 pandemic) the owners had started to look for additional ways to make the business viable in the long term as the existing model was looking like it was unsustainable.

“There is a need for the business to provide self-catering family accommodation in line with what was a trend. This need is now more urgent following Covid 19 and the almost certainty that self-catering will lead the way in the recovery of Scottish hospitality and tourism business sectors.

“They have sourced funding for this project and are keen to pursue this initiative as soon as possible.

“Now with the situation of the Covid 19 pandemic the Bridge of Lochay Hotel has had to close its doors. The timing of this could not have been worse.

“If the business is to stand any chance of survival the plan to have self catering accommodation available once the lockdown restrictions are lifted is essential.”

The agents said the owners were very aware that social distancing measures were likely to remain in place until the end of this year, or even beyond.

“There is no way that the Bridge of Lochay Hotel will be in a position to offer its normal services for the foreseeable future,”they added.“In addition to this, having lost the income from March to July there will never be enough business made to see the business through the winter. In line with many similar businesses in the area the couple are forced to look at the possibility of having no income from the Bridge of Lochay Hotel, as it was, until Spring 2021.’’

National park planners are expected to make a recommendation on the application in due course.