Top chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers in Edinburgh urge First Minister to support industry through Coronavirus crisis
Some of the biggest names in Scottish hospitality, food and drink have written to Scotland’s First Minister asking for specific support to prevent the collapse of businesses due to the Pandemic.
Article Source: Taste Communications
Last Updated: 19 May 2020 14:59
Edinburgh’s top chefs, restaurateurs & hoteliers urge First Minister to support industry through Coronavirus crisis.
Some of the biggest names in Scottish hospitality, food and drink have written to Scotland’s First Minister asking for specific support to prevent the collapse of businesses due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Hospitality employs more than 220,000 people directly in Scotland but since the end of March hotels, bars and restaurants have been in lockdown. Ministers have made clear the nature of the industry means it will be one of the last areas to unlock. Now leading operators are warning of business closures and mass unemployment in the sector unless the more support is forthcoming.
In a letter to Nicola Sturgeon, top chefs and restaurateurs including Michelin starred Tom Kitchin and Martin Wishart predict Scotland could lose its international reputation for food and drink if their concerns are ignored.
“Social distancing simply does not work in most restaurants, bars and hotels. If furlough ends and restaurants, bars and hotels are allowed to reopen but with social distancing enforced and no income from major events and festivals, the result will be a tidal wave of business closures and mass redundancies, increasing Scottish unemployment and the strain on the welfare system.”, they say.
The group, which includes Scotland’s only two star Michelin restaurant, chef Nick Nairn and the famed Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye want action on key measures to save their sector.
*Furlough. They are calling for a specific extension for hospitality staff beyond October to give the sector enough time to get back on its feet
*Rent. They want more Scottish Government support against inflexible landlords who are still demanding full rent.
*Business Rates. They are asking for an extension of the business rates holiday into next year to give the sector time to recover.
*Funding. They say Scotland need an Independent Hospitality Development Fund to help businesses here adjust to new trading and target and build domestic tourism
*Validation. With consumers nervous about venturing out again, they say a Covid Code is required to reassure the public that specific steps have been taken to keep them safe.
With these measures in place, the group believe the sector can recover and prosper again.
“We are desperate to be back in business, employing people, supporting our world class producers and suppliers, paying taxes and enhancing Scotland’s worldwide reputation for food, drink and hospitality but we can only do this with your support”, they say in their letter to the Scottish Government.
Image: Gordon Campbell Gray (The Wee Hotel Company, which includes The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye and The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant at Port Appin in Argyll); Tom Kitchin, Nick Nairn and Edinburgh’s Carina Contini.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas
Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice
Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.
READ MORE
Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh
As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.
READ MORE
Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre
The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.
READ MORE
Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026
Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife
From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme
The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.
READ MORE
Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes
Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026
Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving
Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026
The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.
READ MORE
King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh
King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November
This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland
Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.
READ MORE
Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant
Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom
Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation
Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.
READ MORE
18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening
Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.
READ MORE
The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025
From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.
READ MORE
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas
From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers
From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links