Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop is to investigate whether she can help the 49 threatened jobs at Shetland’s Moorfield Hotel.
Ms Hyslop will look into the situation after warnings that the jobs put at risk was “another devastating blow” for the Shetland economy.
Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart issued the warning at First Minister’s Questions. Ms Wishart intervened after oil company Total decided against extending its accommodation contract with the hotel.
Ms Wishart said Shetland had already been hit hard by the closure of Scatsta Airport and redundancies at the Sullum Voe oil terminal.
The hotel was built to house Total’s operations at the Shetland Gas Plant. Total has confirmed the company will use the Sella Ness accommodation camp for its employees.
At First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood, Ms Wishart asked: “What can the Scottish Government do to prevent these job losses and help those facing redundancies at this worrying time?”
In reply, Nicola Sturgeon said the threatened jobs were a “really important issue” and said she would ask Ms Hyslop to get in touch with Ms Wishart to offer “any advice or help”.
Ms Sturgeon said: “More generally, we know the hotel and tourism sector is very hard hit by this crisis and as we come out of lockdown, and particularly as we look at how we get the economy growing and support our economy to recover, making sure we are providing tailored and appropriate support to the sector is going to be very important.
“These issues are at the forefront of our minds and will continue to be as we go through weeks and months. On the particular issue on the Shetland islands, I will ask the Economy Secretary to have further discussions with the member.”
