The twin challenges of recruitment and suitable housing for staff has blighted Skye’s tourism industry and its wider economy.
But one hotelier is tackling the issues by employing a couple year-round, which has allowed them to buy a home and stay on the island.
Andrew and Kirstie Iona Bennett were previously turned down for a mortgage because Mrs Bennett was not in full-time employment.
It is hoped other businesses will take similar action on Skye where employers are already buying property to rent to workers who have been unable to find or afford accommodation locally.
Last week, a survey by tourism body Skye Connect showed one in three operators feel staffing is a significant issue.
And 64% say the lack of affordable housing is a key issue impacting on the ability to recruit employees.
‘It didn’t look like we would ever be able to afford a place here’
Andrew and Kirstie were regular visitors to Skye and married in Torrin five years ago.
In 2018 they moved from the Wirral and Andrew secured full-time work at Coruisk House hotel in Elgol, while Kirstie had three part-time jobs elsewhere.
“Because they were zero hours, seasonal jobs, the income basically counted for nothing”, said Kirstie, 30.
“It was devastating at the time. It didn’t look likely we would ever be able to afford a place here.”
Andrew, 33, added: “We also looked at buying land but it was disappearing within days of being listed.
“We were disheartened by the whole situation and ended up leaving Skye.”
But this year Coruisk House owner Clare Winskill invited them back and decided to open year-round for the first time.
As well as their regular jobs in front-of-house and housekeeping, the couple are currently painting and decorating in the hotel during a quieter period.
They will also be trained in other aspects of the business, including bookings and marketing as well as helping with wine tasting and bread making courses.
The year-round contracts means they have been able to get a mortgage.
They are in the process of buying the same property they missed out on in 2018.
“As soon as we had the full-time contracts it was smooth sailing with the mortgage. But without that we would not be able to get a house,” said Kirstie.
Recruitment a huge problem
“We are so grateful to Clare. It is refreshing to work with an employer who is so concerned about our future and is helping build careers for both of us.”
The couple, who now plan to stay on Skye indefinitely, sympathise with seasonal workers trying to find accommodation which can be quickly snapped up for holiday or second homes.
“I did wonder if we were ever going to be able to compete with people buying for holiday lets or second homes,” said Kirstie.
“If we didn’t have the full-time contract work we would definitely not have go it this time around.”
Clare said finding accommodation to help recruit employees is a huge problem.
We are in difficult circumstances where property prices are being pushed ever upwards.”
Clare Winskill
“Andrew and Kirstie have added enormous value to the business and we asked them to come back this year.
“Because we were able to offer them both full-time contracts year-round, their application for a mortgage was accepted this time.
“This is exactly what I want to happen on Skye. It has to be a year-round economy.
“And it has to be on the basis that employees are paid a sufficient amount on a year-round basis, whatever industry they are in, so they can get a mortgage.
“We are in difficult circumstances where property prices are being pushed ever upwards, with the Covid effect of people wanting to live in remote areas out of the cities.
“I have a vision that this small example will be embraced by more employers across the island if possible.
“We can then grow the economy here and young people, both indigenous to the island and incomers, can stay year-round and add skills to an economy that needs investment and talent.”
Steve Smith, from Highland Motors in Borve, is one of a number of employers who have bought property to house workers to overcome the accommodation issue.
Skye’s game of two halves
He said: “I know of two or three places doing the same as there is no alternative.
“It is a problem on the island. There is not that first step on the ladder for people.”
The Skye Connect survey interviewed 88 businesses in November, with 70% saying they are optimistic for the future of tourism.
More than half say 2021 exceeded expectations and just under 60% plan to stay open during winter.
Some 30% say advance bookings give encouragement that business will return to pre-Covid levels in 2022.
Only 16% believe they will see normal levels of visitors from abroad next year.
Another concern is government plans to introduce a licensing scheme for short-term lets, with 68% of businesses expressing worries.
Almost 20% say they will leave the industry if licensing is introduced.
Skye Connect chairman Dave Till said the survey highlighted a “game of two halves”.
“The general feeling from most sectors is that the season went better than they expected, but we’re not out of the woods yet.
“There is cautious optimism among people.
“People are feeling optimistic about next year, but they are not jumping up and down about it quite yet.
“There is definitely a lack of availability of staff. And to compound that, if you do get people, then housing is a big issue, particular the rental market.”
Last year, a letter and petition was sent to the Scottish Government saying Skye was caught in a “perfect storm” with a lack of sustainable jobs and high house prices.