30 workers face redundancy over Moray hotel closure

Up to 30-workers at a Moray hotel are facing redundancy after the Mansion House Hotel shut its doors in Elgin earlier.

The four-star venue's blaming 'unforseen financial circumstances' and has called in administrators, who are getting calls from brides worried over the future of their weddings.

Calum MacLean is from Skills Development Scotland which is offering support to staff with an uncertain future.

'Just gutted we stand to lose all our money and all our deposits on everything else' - MICHELLE BIRSE

He told MFR News: "Redundancy's a very stressful time emotionally. It's up there in the most stressful emotional instances any of us can go through in our lives, and you experience a whole range of emotions - shock, anger, disbelief, brief depression.

"We phoned the administrators and we've started discussing with them, and we offer the support services, because it's really important for the individuals who might be affected by redundancy to have access to all that support as soon as possible.

"That support could range from helping you manage your money, understanding how to sign on for state benefits, looking for jobs, compiling a CV, preparing for interview techniques.

"We would encourage anyone who's affected by the sitaution to contact us."

People have taken to social media to voice their anger and disappointment.

Margaret Reid posted: 'Wow they called my daughter to cancel her visit today, and said they would be in touch! Absolutely NO mention of this. Wedding booked and deposit already paid!'

Michelle Birse commented: 'Just gutted we stand to lose all our money and all our deposits on everything else.'

Shannon McBain said on Facebook : 'Can’t believe they actually showed me around the venue and spoke about getting it refurbished in a month's time and were more than happy to take a deposit from me there and then, absolutely disgusting.'

"Redundancy's a very stressful time emotionally...you experience a whole range of emotions - shock, anger, disbelief, brief depression" - CALUM MACLEAN, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND

The hotel's website carries a message on its homepage telling creditors to contact the firm Wylie & Bisset.

Laura Smith gave them a call and said 'they took our names and number...then said they will phone back next week once they know whats happening.'

And Trisha Whyte added: 'I phoned and was told same...not much help when you need to find somewhere else and pay out more money.

Affected staff can contact Skills Development Scotland Moray's Elgin office on: 03000132103.

Creditors can contact Kimberley Campbell of Wylie & Bisset on 0141 566 7006 for further information. Office hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.