A Highland hospitality business has moved to sidestep the region’s housing shortage by investing in low-rent accommodation for staff.
The owners of The Seaforth in Ullapool were facing the reality of not being able to fully open their popular Seafood restaurant and bar, such is the lack of affordable homes in the area.
The J&R Group therefore took the decision to purchase the Morefield Motel for £475,000 and turn it into a unit specifically for staff, with plans currently being developed to extend the site further.
The deal has made available 10 rooms available at low rents for local and international staff, with an additional apartment housing managerial staff.
Workers are also able to remain in the property all year round, instead of seasonally.
All rooms are already full, with up to 45 people being employed in high season.
“Because of our location it is very difficult to find private rental accommodation for staff,“ explained recruitment manager Delia Keating. “We were in the situation where we could not fully open our business because it was limited by accommodation for staff.
“We have a mix of local and international staff here, so it is really important for them to be able to have a home, but there is such a lack of affordable accommodation.
“We have even had other local businesses asking if we can house their staff because they are struggling to retain good people.”
The housing shortage, allied with less EU workers following Brexit, has placed staffing pressures on hospitality and tourism providers in the region.
Recent council housing builds in Ullapool, a scenic coastal stop on the popular NC500 route, were snapped up fast.
Last year, Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott described the affordable housing shortage as "the most pressing issue we face in the Highlands and Islands".
Duty manager Demi Yorke and partner Venca Jaros - a chef de partie - have stayed in hospitality staff accommodation for many years, but welcome having a fixed, two-bedroom apartment.
“Private rentals are very difficult to come by,” said Yorke. “Now we are within walking distance of work and we have a sense of work/life balance.”
Michael Miller, head of housekeeping at The Seaforth, added: “As an expat, having a proper home base is vital.
“We are able to get involved in the community on days off because we live here.”
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