One of the longest-standing problems in the Scottish hospitality industry has been shaking off the perception that jobs on offer within the sector are a temporary pit-stop for the likes of university students on their way to other, more illustrious careers.

Staff shortages that reached acute levels in the wake of Brexit and Covid are continuing to bear down on hotel, restaurant, pub, and venue operators who at the same time are grappling with soaring energy bills, higher interest rates, and higher business rates compared to those currently levied in England. Many establishments have already called last orders, and according to surveys from virtually every trade body across the sector, many more will likely follow.

These problems are fairly uniform throughout the country but when it comes to remote and rural businesses the difficulties are magnified by declining populations and a lack of affordable housing where workers can live. The seasonality of the tourist season also weighs heavily.

Speaking recently to my colleague Caroline Wilson as part of The Herald’s New Highland Clearances series, the owner of Mackays Hotel in Wick said it is rare for teenage employees to stay on after school or study the trade. One of several examples put forward by Murray Lamont, whose family has owned Mackays for 67 years, was that of a young man who left to work for British Airways.

“He was really good at what he did,” Mr Lamont said, adding: “There’s not a hope........

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