CHECKOUT It’s always difficult putting news in a magazine when you are in the midst of a pandemic - no sooner than you put it to print than somethng happens. So from next month we will have our new website up and running too.
The news that research shows that 47% of hospitality and tourism jobs in Scotland could be lost if there is another lockdown, and at the least, with an economic downturn looming a quarter of jobs are a risk due to businesses going bust, does not come as much of a surprise to the hospitality industry which has been warning of this jobs armageddon for months. Hospitality needs more support and the £14 million hotel package although very well - is only a drop in the ocean! Plans have been unveiled for a brand new whisky hotel that comes complete with a whisky fountain and free dram on check-in - but its not in Scotland it is in LA. The man behind it is restaurateur Adolfo Suaya and its name Whisky Hotel. I am surprised no one has thought of doing that here.
Stephen Montgomery, who many of you will know, is setting up a new collaboration. It isn’t replacing any other trade organisation - and it is not fee orientated - but it aims to reflect the views of entrepreneurs - whether they be hoteliers or publicans. It’s purpose is to supply much needed information directly to the folk that need it most - youIt will feed into government on issues which operators are concerned about, and market and PR the Scottish industry. I hope you will support it. More to follow. There are more questions than answers at the moment but one which is a real worry - not just for employers and employees too is ‘ Who pays the wages of staff when, and if, they have to self-isolate for 14 days? What if test and protect tell you all staff have to go home and isolate for a fortnight. If you are doing all the mitigations right you shouldn’t have to close but you may have to because you won’t be able to staff
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Martin Creed paid a visit to The Fife Arms to re-launch the hotel and see his latest installation (on the Cover) unveiled. I’m sure it will give everyone hope who passes and I hope the the sentiments give you hope too Everything is going to be alright. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Lastly but by no means least - Hotel Scotland has a sister magazine called DRAM and we run the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards - which will take place this year. If there is anyone that you think deserves an accolade let me know. We will be giving an award to Hotel of the Year - and it will be based around their efforts during Covid-19.
Glass & Ice
SIMS Glass & Ice are Scotland’s premier supplier of Glass Washers, Dishwashers, Ice Making Machines & Bottle Coolers.
GLASS & ICE 46 Dalsholm Road Glasgow G20 0TD. Tel: 0141 946 0444
www.simsautomatics.co.uk
