Plenty of meals sold in Northern Isles during Eat Out discount campaign

DISCOUNTS have been claimed on 26,000 meals in Orkney and Shetland as part of the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

New figures show that restaurants and cafes in the Northern Isles claimed for a total of £168,000 through the scheme during the month of August.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August cafes and restaurants were able to offer a 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks at sit-in premises.

Owners of those establishments would claim the discount, up to a maximum of £10 per diner, back from the government.

A total of 69 establishments in the Northern Isles signed up for the scheme, which aimed to encourage people back into cafes and restaurants following lockdown.

This included Shetland Islands Council, which offered discounts on school meals.

The average discount per meal in Orkney and Shetland was £6.44, which was higher than the Scottish average of £6.10.

Scottish secretary Alister Jack said: “The UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been a roaring success, helping protect 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector.

“More than 6.3 million meals were enjoyed in Scotland with the UK Government paying up to £10 towards each. I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported the scheme – as well as the staff who made it possible.”