'We feel unsafe, unsettled and disrespected' - Highland cafe owners speak out about 'covidiots' flouting safety rules

‘We became so frustrated and annoyed by the numbers of covidiots coming into the shop and ignoring everything we have put in place to keep us and our customers safe’

Cafe owners in a popular Highland tourist spot said customers have shown “a total lack of respect” for safety rules forcing them to close doors a second time since lockdown was enforced.

Guy and Zoe Kerry, who run Lael Crafts Gallery and coffee stop in Ullapool reopened for service in July after months of waiting for restrictions to ease since the pandemic hit Scotland.

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But after one month of resuming service, the couple said they reached their limits chasing customers for not following their safety rules and decided to shut up shop on Wednesday this week.

Guy and Zoe Kerry in their craft and coffee shop in Lael near Ullapool in Wester RossGuy and Zoe Kerry in their craft and coffee shop in Lael near Ullapool in Wester Ross
Guy and Zoe Kerry in their craft and coffee shop in Lael near Ullapool in Wester Ross

"We came to the end of our tether in just a month,” said Guy, 62, who has been living in the area with his wife, Zoe, for 20 years.

"We became so frustrated and annoyed by the numbers of covidiots coming into the shop and ignoring everything we have put in place to keep us and our customers safe; we could no longer keep smiles on our faces.

"The ignorance of some people has been astounding and we feel unsafe, unsettled and disrespected.”

The disgruntled couple decided to ‘softly’ reopen as of today, Friday, September 4, and will be revising over the weekend whether or not it is safe enough for them to resume service again this season.

“We haven’t put up any of our open signs despite reopening to try and deter unwanted crowds,” Guy added.

The Kellys said their concern for their own health and that of the community’s is the reason behind their strict measures given many in the area are elderly.

"I have medical issues which scares me,” Guy said, “and people are coming from all over the UK so there is of course a risk.

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"The problem is we are getting people who are meant to be on Costa Del Sol coming here, and many don’t realise the Highlands of Scotland is not one of those places where everything you need is all on the same street.

“We have had crowds asking for toilet services, wanting to sit in the cafe in large groups, and on top of that we are asking people day in day out to wear masks and follow our signs.

“It all got too much.”

The cafe owners said installing hand sanitiser machines, screens and converting their entire payment system to contactless cost them about £2,000.

In order to keep the business ticking over, they rely on customers, but won’t stand for disrespectful behaviour.

"We don’t want people to stop having fun,” Zoe said, “but we are just asking them to be more respectful, otherwise we won't open our doors.

"It’s taken a lot to get us to where we are to make sure it’s safe and we are just asking visitors to show some respect.

"We want customers and we rely on them to help us get through the winter, but we are just asking them to think before coming to this part of Scotland.”

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