Hebrides  News

Contact newsdesk on:  info@hebridesnews.co.uk

Classified adverts   I   Jobs                               

 Local Services     

Lews Castle plans will hit existing businesses, admits council     27/3/14

 

Controversial plans by Western Isles Council to help a bigger, outside tourism operator set up in the Lews Castle will take trade away from some existing hospitality providers admits the authority.

 

But there could be an overall boost to the wider economy, it says.  

 

The Comhairle is in advance talks to lease Stornoway’s Lews Castle - after a revamp funded by public money - to holiday company Natural Retreats - the sole bidder for the upgraded historic building.

 

Anger over the contentious plans resulted in the developer’s representatives meeting with tourism operators in Stornoway on Thursday afternoon.

 

Local providers who stress the market is already over-saturated slammed the council for quietly changing the initial proposals for a plush hotel – a main part of a £14 million rescue of the crumbling castle.

 

Natural Retreats wants to open 26 self catering apartments - a total of 52 bed spaces - within the castle next summer.

 

Local businesses say they will struggle if the  “unfair competition” undercuts their prices.

 

Attending the meeting was Linda Johnson who runs the Hebridean Guesthouse in Bayhead, Stornoway - the nearest hospitality operator to the Lews Castle.

 

Mrs Johnson said: “It goes back to the real concerns over displacement.

 

“We never found out what their prices would be.”

 

“Its 26 rooms taking away trade from my kind of business.”

 

Councillor Roddie Mackay who chaired the meeting, said: “No-one argues there will be no displacement - the question is whether there will be a prospect of increased economic activity across several sectors?

 

He pointed out “work is being done” on the issue of displacement.

 

Natural Retreats representative Anthony Wilde said: “I think people feel that they were being kept out of the loop.

 

“We went though the relevant tender process and we are happy to share what our plans. Obviously there are people with concerns and we are happy to address those.”

 

Many fears centred on suggestions the new firm would offer budget accommodation within iconic premises which would draw visitors away from local providers.

 

Iain Fordham, chairman of the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association (OHTIA) said they gained more detail over the proposal including information the apartments would be at a five star level.

 

He pointed out a main issue is the revamped Lews Castle displacing or taking business away from existing self-catering operators.

 

Mr Fordham said: “The key issues of displacement are yet to be addressed and be understood and we look forward for much more dialogue with the council.

 

Problems over the number of full ferries in summer meaning tourists cannot get to travel to the Western Isles is also of significant concern, he stressed.

 

A council spokesman highlighted: “No final decisions have been made yet as to whether the company’s proposals will go ahead.”