Business / Moorfield Hotel’s closure brought forward by a month
THE MOORFIELD Hotel in Brae is now set to close in August – bringing its 45 redundancies forward by a month.
The closure, which stems from Shetland Gas Plant workers moving out of the hotel, had previously been set for September.
Gas plant operator Total’s contract at the hotel was initially due to end in August but it had requested an extension to September.
Stuart McCaffer of hotel owner BDL, however, has now said Total no longer wants the extension – meaning the Moorfield will now close next month shortly after the contract ends on 5 August.
He said staff are “very upset” at the redundancies being brought forward by a month.
The gas plant workers will be housed at the Sella Ness accommodation facility going forward.
BDL previously launched legal action against the decision to keep Sella Ness open in the Court of Session.
Councillors rejected a third extension of temporary planning permission for the facility but it was overturned on appeal, allowing it to stay open through to 2026.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.