A HIGHLAND hospitality business has invested in bespoke, low-rent accommodation for staff in the face of a lack of affordable homes in the area.
J&R Group, owners of The Seaforth in Ullapool, were facing the prospect of not being able to fully open their seafood restaurant, bar and fish and chip shop. The business decided to purchase a local motel for staff, with plans now being developed to extend further on the site.
When the Morefield Motel came on the market for £475 000, owners took the decision to bid as it would fill an accommodation gap. The purchase has made available 10 rooms 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 – a move designed to improve wellbeing and work/life balance.
However, all rooms are already full, with up to 45 people being employed in high season. Seaforth bosses are now scoping further development on-site.
Recruitment manager Delia Keating explained, “Because of our location it is very difficult to find private rental accommodation for staff. In fact, it is virtually impossible. 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.”
