Bosses of a popular Peterhead attraction have warned they may be forced to close their doors for good if they do not receive financial support soon.
Alex Geddes, operations manager of the Peterhead Prison Museum, has written to the first minister with a plea that “support for tourism is significantly increased”.
In the open letter, he explains that although restrictions eased on Monday there has already been significant damage inflicted.
The five-star attraction has had to remain closed for 10 months out of the past 24 due to Covid restrictions.
They have also been operating at 25% of their normal trade because of the lack of tourists and have had to cancel events.
Despite this, the business is facing increasing energy bills and insurance costs.
Additionally, Mr Geddes claims that since November 2021 the museum lost 83% of its business compared to the same period in 2019 – which amounts to around £48,500 lost.
The Scottish Government has offered to compensate the museum around £6,800, however, Mr Geddes explains this leaves the business in a “precarious position” as staff wages and ongoing costs have not been reduced.
Mr Geddes claims the recent restrictions have also had a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of his team who now “fear job losses” due to the downturn in business.
‘I now face some extremely difficult decisions’
According to the operations manager, the messaging from the Scottish Government asking people to stay at home “in effect created a lockdown in all but name”.
He believes the “stay at home” advice has greatly impacted visitor numbers and has highlighted that the government gave no financial support to businesses affected by this message.
He wrote: “As you may imagine I now face some extremely difficult decisions due to the monetary impact the restrictions and messaging from the Scottish Government has placed on the business, and I now make a plea that support for tourism is significantly increased and with immediate effect.
“I also request that the negative narrative coming out from the Scottish Government changes and your trust goes to both business operators and the Scottish people to act sensibly without the need of further restrictive measures being forced on us.”
Mr Geddes explained that visitor and staff safety is always the museum’s “top priority” and has pledged to continue operating with the “highest standards of safety protocols”.
