Hotelier says rural premises will not survive

A HOTELIER has warned he could be forced to permanently close premises under the Scottish Government hospitality grant scheme he says is “grossly unfair”.

Robert Allan, whose family runs two hotels in Perthshire and one in

Fife, said the Holyrood move to limit grants to one per business instead of one per premises, will have devastating effects on the industry.

The package to help the hospitality sector has come under fierce criticism amid claim it lacks parity and disadvantages some hoteliers. The policy south of the Border covers each premises.

The family runs Bridge of Cally Hotel, Breadalbane Arms Hotel and the Inn at Lathones.

Mr Allan said: “A grant of £25,000 will be issued, not the £75,000 we should be getting. Apart from the imbalance of a single unit of similar size getting the £25,000 grant, we are expected to divide the same amount between three units, with three cost and three groups of staff.

“This is a ludicrous ideology. The result for us and similar hospitality businesses, will be the permanent closure of our rural units that are often the only employer in the area where they are situated.”

The Scottish Government said in its response that it “recognises the ongoing challenges faced by individuals and businesses caused by the coronavirus pandemic and took immediate action within our devolved powers and resources at our disposal to provide support”.

It said: “This support has been tailored to the tax base and tax system in Scotland.

“It is important to note that this is not the only form of support for businesses and individuals available.”