Hotels across region join help scheme

Hotels across Perthshire have joined a support scheme that aims to help the sector as it prepares for another tough winter.

The four businesses are among 50 hospitality firms from across Scotland backing the Help Out Hospitality campaign.

It aims to safeguard more than 200,000 hospitality jobs.

Cairn Lodge in Auchterarder, Moness Resort in Aberfeldy, Perth’s Tavern 1843 and Mckays Hotel in Pitlochry are all involved with the campaign.

They aim to create deals for meals and overnight stays during the quieter winter months.

The campaign is being led by the Full Range, one of the UK’S leading food and drink procurement firms.

Richard Drummond, owner of Mckays Hotel, said: “Help is precisely what the hospitality and tourism industry requires.

“After the past three years, the closures, the uncertainties, staffing issues, and now spiralling costs, the Full Range came up with the initiative to support our industry.

“However, it not only helps our industry, but it also helps our suppliers and the end user.

“It allows us to pass the discount we receive on to our customers.

“Hopefully, this will drive additional revenue to our businesses and offer our guests great savings, which is a win-win for all.”

Mr Drummond has invested heavily in the hotel, including in 12 new bedrooms and a 100-seat function suite as part of a £1.25 million project.

Meanwhile, Moness Resort in Aberfeldy also hopes the initiative will provide support over the quieter winter months.

General manager Kelly Duguid said: “This is a great initiative to support hospitality businesses in a traditionally quieter period.

“With so much on offer across the sector, this initiative gives many operators greater exposure, showcasing that we can offer memorable visitor experiences.”

In the last year, it is estimated commercial energy bills have increased by about 400%. Labour costs, meanwhile, have increased by around 10% and food bills are up 20%.

Hoteliers, restaurateurs and publicans have decided to join forces to highlight the scale of the crisis facing the industry and help drive footfall and bookings this winter.

The new Help Out Hospitality online platform is now live for hospitality businesses to promote offers and attract bookings.

The Full Range director Barry Knight said Scotland’s hospitality industry employs around 220,000 people.

That, he said, makes up around 8.6% of the country’s total jobs.

Mr Knight added: “The current cost-of-living crisis is having a significant impact on every operator.

“The sector really is on ‘life support’ if help is not provided through the winter trading period.”

HOSPITALITY: Mckays Hotel in Pitlochry is one of those involved with the campaign.