Business / Kveldsro Hotel set to reopen ‘as soon as it is fair and right for staff’
ONE of Lerwick’s hotels should open its doors again next year, says owner Robert Smith.
The Kveldsro on Greenfield Place has been shut since coronavirus lockdown began in March 2020.
It is part of the Brudolff Group, which also owns the Lerwick and Shetland hotels.
Whilst those two premises reopened for essential workers later in 2020, the Kveldsro remained shut.
Smith told Shetland News: “In October 2020 I realised that with the Kveldsro shut, it was a good time to renovate and improve.
“Over the next six months or so we completely redid all the ground floor public areas, and then all the bedroom corridors.
“I was and still am excited to show everyone the new look.”
However, staffing issues are continuing to affect the industry.
Smith explained that his other hotels have been very busy recently and staffing remains tight.
“The idea of trying to get them to operate the Kveldsro at the same time just isn’t fair,” he said.
“Last summer our staff worked long hours in a busy environment and it just wouldn’t be right to try to include another hotel at that time.
“We can no longer take staff from outwith the UK which is a huge restriction.
“I have lobbied for an exemption for the hospitality industry similar to one enjoyed by the fruit farm industry, but there is no sign of anyone agreeing to that.”
He concluded: “The Kveldsro will reopen, and with its new look, as soon as I think it is fair and right for our staff in Shetland.
“At the moment that will be no later than February 2024, as we have taken bookings for 2024 already, and if people became available maybe earlier.”
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.