Skye is Scotland’s second most popular destination. The data shows that visitor numbers continue to grow each year and now exceed pre-covid levels. It is alarming that a destination like Skye faces the real possibility of not having a body...
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February 10, 2021
Keeping You Informed – 10th February
Below you will find information on support for Coach Tour Operators, Visitor Attractions and Hostels. You'll also find information on Business Interruption Insurance, Free training from UHI & a petition for the extension of the 5% Hospitality VAT.
Highland Council – Discretionary Grant Scheme
In recognition of the significant financial hardships and risks for businesses as a result of the Coronavirus protective measures, the Scottish Government is making available a range of grants to businesses. The Scottish Government has provided the Council with funding to set up and deliver a Discretionary Grant Scheme. You can find more information from Highland Council here.
Support For Visitor Attractions – Visit Scotland
The purpose of this Fund is to help keep visitor attractions in business while the restrictions remain in place. Visitor attractions play an important role in both the tourism industry and in local communities in Scotland. You’ll find all the information you need here.
Support For Coach Tour Operators – Visit Scotland
Coach operators, who are largely family owned and can have a significant impact in a rural area, estimate that fleet costs can be around £200 per vehicle per day. This Fund is intended to help keep them in business while travel restrictions are still in place, and to support them to prepare for recommencing operations when restrictions are lifted. Full details here.
“Many thanks to all of you who messaged us acknowledging our work and asked how you can help / become involved – the answer is please join us. The more people who join us the more representative and influential we can be.”
Support For Visitor Attractions – Hostels
The fund is open to proprietors of hostel businesses. They may be a sole trader, a partnership, a company limited by shares or by guarantee, a registered charity, a Scottish limited partnership or any other legal entity recognised under Scots Law. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria along with providing the supporting documentation will receive a grant award of up to £10,000 per eligible hostel. Full information here.
Statement of Intent on Business Interuption Insurance by Association of British Insurers.
You can read the full information for the ABI here.
SkyeConnect will be meeting with Alastair Ross the head of Policy at the ABI on the 25th Feb, paid up members of SkyeConnect are invited to attend.
Petition to UK Govt to extend VAT.
You can sign the petition here.
“Extend the VAT at 5% for another 12 months until March 2022 for Hospitality. This is an essential lifeline for the Hospitality Industry’s Recovery – and perhaps the single biggest Covid-19 relief measure.l and must be extended if the industry hopes to have any meaningful recovery.”
Free Training for your business from West Highland College UHI
FREE training through theFlexible Workforce Development Fund(FWDF) to Small andMedium Enterprises.
Full details here.
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