A Covid-enforced closure has cost a Gatehouse retail business tens of thousands of pounds.
Galloway Lodge Preserves and Coffee Shop had to temporarily shut down on Sunday after a member of staff tested positive.
A dozen other workers at the busy outlet were instructed to self-isolate for five days under test and protect rules.
Proprietor Ruaridh Hesketh is frustrated by the interruption to trade – but is aiming to partially reopen tomorrow as staff make their return.
He told the News: “It’s going to cost us between £20,000 and £30,000 just for being closed this week.
“We have had to cancel a lot of bookings including birthday parties.
“It’s frustrating – we were just getting caught up on our turnover after being shut for 16 months.
“We had everything running really well and you get shut down.
“It’s very disappointing but it’s the reality of things and we are happy to follow the rules.”
Galloway Lodge carries a staff of between 15 and 20, depending on the time of year.
When the majority of workers were told to quarantine as a precaution Mr Hesketh suspended trading.
He said: “We closed on Sunday after a member of staff tested positive.
“No-one else tested positive but 12 other staff members were told to self-isolate.
“We have done everything we needed to make sure there was a safe environment for staff and customers.
“We are aiming to open for takeaways at the end of the week and then gradually open up fully from Monday.
“The kitchen will find it difficult to get stock in again.”
Gatehouse has been packed with holidaymakers for weeks with the main car park frequently full.
It is unclear whether the influx of visitors has contributed to the recent rise in cases locally.
The tourism boom has brought financial dividends – but the Lodge has been hard hit just on the cusp of peak season.
“Unfortunately there’s nothing we can do about it,” Mr Hesketh said.
“This has meant us having to throw out a lot of stock which was made and ready to go.
“There is no (government) support out there for when you get shut down like this.
“The community has been very supportive and I am very grateful for that.”
