Gleneagles Hotel to close until February

Gleneagles Hotel will shut its doors tomorrow until February, with bosses blaming the region's impending move to level 3 coronavirus restrictions.

It's the second time the luxury hotel has closed this year, after a four month period at the start of the pandemic.

Conor O’Leary, Gleneagles’ Managing Director, said: “Following the Scottish Government’s announcement that Perth & Kinross will be moved up to protection level 3 in the national coronavirus restriction system, we’ve taken the very difficult decision to temporarily close Gleneagles’ doors for the second time this year – from Friday 13 November until Sunday 31 January inclusive.

“Having worked so hard to provide a safe environment across our estate, we are saddened by this development, especially in the lead-up to Christmas – the highlight of our calendar for both team and guests.

"However, we’re committed to taking the additional measures necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone at Gleneagles, and to play our part in minimising COVID-19 cases in the region.

“The support and well-wishes we’ve received over the past eight months, including our four-month closure period earlier this year, have been truly humbling, and we look forward to welcoming back our hotel guests from 1 February, subject to government regulations.

“We extend our sympathy to all the individuals, families and teams around the world who have been affected by this crisis and our gratitude to all the essential workers who continue to work tirelessly to keep everyone safe.”

Representatives of the tourism industry say it comes as no shock.

Marc Crothall, CEO Scottish Tourism Alliance said: “The news that Gleneagles will be closing its doors until February comes as no surprise to me given the recent announcements.

"I have been having conversations with hoteliers the length and breadth of the country and many are doing similar.

"The costs of remaining open and providing a total experience which the customer expects with limitations and uncertainty are too high.

"While furlough is a welcome support for staff who would almost certainly be without a job right now in many businesses had it not been extended, it offers no direct financial benefit to businesses and a much greater degree of financial support is needed immediately to enable those both open and closed to remain solvent and bounce back when we are through the crisis period and into recovery.

"We reiterated this on a private call between myself, STA Chair Stephen Leckie and the First Minister yesterday who acknowledged this and we would hope that additional support measures for businesses operating throughout the sector would be announced in the very near future.”

Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on MFR. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.