Perth and Kinross has been warned to brace itself for more job losses after a miserable weekend for workers at two major employers.
On Friday the PA revealed 42 staff could be made redundant at Pitlochry Festival Theatre due to the coronavirus crisis.
And just two days later, the Crieff Hydro Group chair and CEO Stephen Leckie announced it was seeking to shed 241 jobs as the hospitality and tourism industry continues to feel the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown.
The news has left communities in the region stunned, but council leader Murray Lyle has told the Perthshire Advertiser they will not be the last as businesses look to make difficult decisions to sustain themselves in the long term.
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The Conservative group leader said: “In my view, we have hopefully seen the peak of the health crisis, although it’s still very real - but we are just at the beginning of the economic crisis.”
He added: “It’s challenging for both of them. Crieff Hydro is a long established family business in Perthshire.
“Stephen Leckie is a competent businessman and he’s taking this very challenging decision to sustain his business in the long term. At some point, we will get through this. The important thing is to make sure you don’t drown before you get to the other side.
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“There does not seem to be any indication from the Scottish Government that the tourism sector is getting to open up in the near future. I would personally like to see the Scottish Government doing more to support the tourism and culture sector.
“These are really difficult decisions that impact on people’s lives and mortgages.
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“It’s very unpleasant, but Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Crieff Hydro have a corporate responsibility to try and help their businesses for the future.
“There will be more.”
However, he added: “Times are tough but Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Crieff Hydro will rebound. I am absolutely confident of that.”
As well as the Hydro group and theatre, Fishers laundry in Perth has closed completely, resulting in over 80 people potentially losing their jobs.
Tourism secretary Fergus Ewing said: “We have put in place a huge package of support of over £2.3 billion to try and ensure as many businesses survive as possible.
"This includes almost £900 million of non-domestic rates relief, a £1.3 billion business grants scheme, £30 million Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund and £185 million package of targeted support for SMEs and the self-employed.
“We will continue to work with the industry on recovery and with partners across the public and private sector, to ensure a strong return of Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector.”
