Immigration changes: Hotel group boss warns plans will ‘throttle’ industry in Scotland

The head of one of Scotland’s biggest hotel groups has warned tough new immigration rules with “throttle the industry”.

Stephen Leckie, chief executive of the Crieff Hydro family of hotels, said the proposals will leave hotels and other tourist industries struggling to recruit staff.

As well as the Crieff Hyrdo, Mr Leckie’s company also runs eight other hotels including the Ballachulish Hotel in Lochaber.

In all, over 30 nationalities are represented on the staff.

The Scottish Tourism Alliance has also described the planned points-based immigration system as “the biggest threat” to Scotland’s tourism industry and backed plans for a separate Scottish visa system.