'Brutal and shocking' : Scottish tourism leader blasts hotel chain for coronavirus sackings

The representative body of the Scottish tourism industry called the sackings “brutal”.

The Scottish Tourism Alliance has blasted the management of a Highland hotel after it sacked its staff and ordered them to leave their accommodation immediately, in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

Staff at the Coylumbridge Hotel in Aviemore, which is run by Britannia Hotels, were dismissed on the spot on Thursday via letter, with the company pinning the decision on government Covid-19 advice.

The letter, circulating on social media, has been slammed by politicians and members of the public alike with Britannia's offer of "one week's pay in lieu of notice".

Today, The representative body of the Scottish tourism industry called the sackings “brutal and shocking”.

Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance said:

“The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has been in touch with tourism businesses all over Scotland throughout the night regarding the decision Britannia Hotels took yesterday to shed all staff from their jobs and accommodation in Aviemore by way of letter and its decision to close three hotels.

Coylumbridge Hotel staff were sacked on Thursday.

“This is not reflective of the approach of any business we know, or our members and all have come out to condemn the deplorable actions of this company.

“Aside from the approach, the letter sent to employees lacked any compassion or humanity in tone; it was cold, brutal and shocking. We have never encountered anything like this. “

Mr Crothall said the tourism industry in Scotland faced the most difficult period it “will ever face”.

The hospitality sector was one of the first to receive special support from the Government with a full year's 100% non-domestic rates relief announced on Wednesday.

Mr Crothall added: “We are hopeful that an announcement will be made within the next 24 hours to offer some comfort and reassurance to those who are losing their jobs on an hourly basis across all sectors.”

The Coylumbridge Hotel was contacted last night for comment but advised reporters to call Britannia's head office on Friday morning for more information. The Scotsman has contacted Britannia head office and is awaiting a reply.