An open letter to our loyal customers…
Over the last 18 months the world has faced it’s most challenging period in decades. People have grieved for loved ones, they have lost their livelihoods, friends and family have been forced to return to their homelands and the entire globe has been forced to shut down and adjust to a whole new normal.
The hospitality and tourism sectors in particular have been badly impacted by both Covid and Brexit, with greatly reduced staff numbers and ever-changing guidelines. This has meant no real way to add infrastructure, structure or future plan and with much of the UK wishing for an escapism, people have been holidaying much closer to home in vast numbers. Therefore, it has been with much relief and excitement that we have been able to successfully open and operate a safe environment for people to enjoy a much-needed break over the summer, whether that be for a day of water sports, a Spa treat, lunch out or a week of relaxation in one of our indulgent and luxurious properties.
However, this huge influx in tourism mixed with a nationwide hospitality staffing crisis leaves businesses between a rock and a hard place, which is further compounded by the latest impact of staff shortages in the nationwide supply chain. We love nothing more than welcoming you to Taymouth, however the challenge to consistently maintain our high standards that we have become known for whilst protecting our enthusiastic and committed team has become increasingly difficult and we must therefore ensure that we provide adequate rest and training to retain and develop both our people and our resort. The quote ‘be kind, to those that showed up’ has been trending and is something that we ask people keep in mind.
A series of surveys have been conducted by some of Scotland’s leading tourism associations that gave pretty startling news. The four organisations – the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), Wild Scotland, and Sail Scotland – advised that if international restrictions remain, almost a third of Scottish tourism attractions and properties will see their turnover reduce by more than half. Big hospitality news also stated that 70% of hospitality businesses could become unviable and close in 2021 as a direct result of the pandemic.
Our team have worked enthusiastically and tirelessly through extremely challenging circumstances to allow our customers to come indulge and relax within all that our resort offers, but the pressure on a reduced team day after day will take it’s toll if we do not look after those that have shown up to make a difference, therefore we must prioritise our staff and their health which in turn will allow us to continue to offer a fabulous guest experience in a stunning location.
It is due to the above that we have decided that as of, week beginning, 30th of August we shall be closing our bar, restaurant and water sports facilities on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is not a decision that we take lightly and as you may already know we have been closed on Tuesdays for a few weeks now, however we really do now have to take that extra day for the physical and mental wellbeing of our staff. Without it, sadly, we would have to look at closing for a much longer and indefinite period which no-one wants.
Thank you again to all those that have visited and booked with us since we re-opened and for all of your wonderful feedback, whilst the nationwide hospitality crisis is a setback for us all we are extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve this summer and of the continual growth, development and success of the resort which shall continue to thrive with many exciting developments on the horizon for Autumn and Winter.
For just now we momentarily need to hit the pause button a couple of days a week in order for us to ensure the health and well being of our staff, guests and resort overall. We are continually working on alternative plans to operate under in these challenging times that will enable us to continue operating our beautiful Marina through these stormy waters and return to normal as quickly as possible. We shall keep engaging with customers and the local community alike to create a place that you continue to love and enjoy.
Finally, I would like to show a huge amount of gratitude to the entire team at Taymouth for creating such a wonderful environment to work within and to visit. Your efforts have been outstanding and are very much appreciated.
We all look forward to continuing to welcoming you to Taymouth Marina in the near future.
Darren Scott
General Manager
