Protective screens could be vital for one hotel to get its doors open again

Protective screens have been installed between tables at a north-east hotel eager to open “as soon as possible” for outdoor meals once Scottish Government approval is given.

The Seafield Arms in Cullen has been shut with the rest of the industry since March, with almost all staff furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, in recent weeks preparations have been made to partially reopen, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expected to set out further relaxations of lockdown rules this week.

Tables have been moved outside into gazebos, with plastic barriers separating them from each other, while a one-way system will be in operation for diners.

Meanwhile, only pre-bookings will be taken initially to comply with track and trace guidelines in the event of someone testing positive for the virus.

Manager Donald Thain said: “It’s down to how people feel themselves about whether they will be comfortable, but we feel we have done everything humanely possible to reduce the risk.

“Everyone has been adhering to the regulations here and it’s been a long haul for a lot of us.

“We want to begin to offer that element of normality for those who choose to do so and I think some will be ready to do so.

“We’re fortunate we’ve got the space outside to use.

“We’re only able to fit six tables on the courtyard and a few more on the patio so we’ve had to make a few changes to make sure we’re profitable. We’ve reduced the menu a bit and obviously not all the staff will be coming back straight away.”

Moray has not reported any new outbreaks of Covid-19 this month, with the last reported increase to its total of 78 cases and 19 deaths coming on May 29.

The Seafield Arms only opened again last year after being shut for about eight years and had already embarked on an expansion project into the upper floors of the former Cullen Town Hall before being forced to close due to the pandemic.

The introduction of the NE250 driving route had boosted hopes along the northeast

“We feel we have done everything humanely possible to reduce the risk”

coast that the number of international visitors would increase.

Mr Thain admitted the contrast between the lockdown and summer last year could not be more stark.

He said: “It’s really been very sad for Cullen. When I came to work at 3pm on Saturdays last year I couldn’t get parked in the car park, the square or any of the nearby streets because it was so busy.

“It’s a different town now but since the early days of lockdown I can gradually see more traffic on the road and a few more businesses reopening.

“It’s been a terrible situation for everyone. We’ve got a lot of loyal customers we’re hoping to see back and we’re obviously hoping people will holiday in this country this year instead of going overseas – Cullen has a beach as least as nice as anywhere in Spain.”

Photograph by Jason Hedges MEASURES: Donald Thain, manager, and Ailie Flett, deputy manager, at the Seafield Arms in Cullen, with the new Covid-19 protection screens in place.