Scottish Conservative MSPs Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser have expressed their concerns after it was announced Crieff Hydro Hotels may have to shed 240 jobs due to the financial predicament caused by Covid-19. Staff have been told they could be made redundant in August, depending on when lockdown restrictions are eased for the hospitality sector.
Commenting, Liz Smith MSP, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “This is devastating news for Crieff. Crieff Hydro Hotel is the area’s largest employer, bringing thousands of people to the area throughout the year.
“It is an especially worrying time for the staff employed by Crieff Hydro Hotels.”
She continued: “Crieff Hydro is a 150-year-old family business that attracts visitors from far and wide. I am deeply concerned to hear that it is losing £500,000 per month due to the lockdown and intend raising this matter with the First Minister.
“This just emphasises the perilous situation faced just now by many businesses in Scotland as a result of the crisis.”
Murdo Fraser MSP, who also represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, added: “These are desperate times for Crieff Hydro Hotels and this announcement highlights the difficult position the hospitality sector is in just now. It must be a very worrying time for staff.
“Crieff Hydro has a large number of self-catering lodges but has been unable to take bookings for these as self-catering businesses have been lumped together with hotels in phase 3 of the route map out of lockdown. This is an issue I have previously raised with the Scottish Government and will do so again – the Scottish Government needs to review this part of their lockdown plan and put self-catering businesses in phase 2 of the route map out of lockdown.”