Islands tourism businesses adapt to life after lockdown
A tourism group representing the isles of Mull and Iona say businesses there have met the challenge of opening safely.
Visit Mull and Iona said it had been a ‘tense’ time as they reopened but the islands remained Covid-free and plan to stay that way.
It has spotlighted four businesses and the measures they have taken to ensure that residents are safe and visitors have a great stay.
They include visitor attraction, Ardalanish Weavers, Ross of Mull; Tobermory Campsite, Mull; and the Argyll Hotel and Staffa Trips, both Iona.
Ardalanish Weavers reopened on August 1. The Weaving Shed is part of Ardalanish Farm which produces native breed lamb and beef, as well as ice cream, homebaking, teas and coffees. It has temporarily provided a field for motorhomes with their own facilities for overnight stays. Farmer Anne Smith said: ‘As one of the few visitor attractions in the Ross of Mull, we have done our best to open up while keeping everyone safe.’
At Tobermory Campsite, owner Angus Williams has introduced new protocols to all aspects of the business, which spans static caravans, shepherds huts, self-catering and camping and touring vehicles.
Mr Williams has pledged to over-deliver on hygiene standards. He said: ‘We are busy but we have space for tourers. It’s important that people book into a managed site as there is no wild camping on Mull for vehicles.’
At the Argyll Hotel, owners Wendy and Rob MacManaway, opened on July 15.
Changes to the 17-bedroom hotel include introducing standard hygiene requirements, two-metre spacing in the dining room and lounge, one-way systems and hourly cleaning protocols.
A separate communications system was set up to service the outdoor seating area which offers a fabulous view in the garden across the Sound of Iona.
Guests are greeted with an envelope of information, any request is delivered in a sealed bag and their room is their ‘personal bubble’ for the duration of their stay.
‘Without exception every visitor and guest has accepted all our procedures. There has been a deep appreciation of us being open and of the measures that we have provided to enable the safest possible visit,’ said Wendy.
Iona-based Staffa Trips runs day cruises where visitors can often spot puffins, minke whales and dolphins, and visit Fingal’s Cave.
Owner Sara Tindal said its vessel, Iolaire of Iona, has capacity for 67 passengers which has been reduced to 30 per cent to allow for social distancing.
Mull businesses Whitetail Gin supplied hand sanitiser and Highland Services Building Materials had helped, she said.
Sara added: ‘We expect to cruise until mid-October. Although the puffins have now gone, Fingal’s Cave has been reopened after storm damage in 2019 and people are delighted to be able to walk inside the cave once more.
‘Our marine wildlife has turned out for our customers, too, with regular sightings of minke whales and dolphins. It’s so lovely to be back out on the water.’