Fears over the impact of coronavirus on Lochaber’s vital tourism industry were raised as Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron met businesswomen in the area yesterday.
Ms Cameron said that with bookings being cancelled because of the virus, there was a “high level of concern” – particularly among local businesses involved in the hospitality and events sectors.
She added she would be urging the Scottish Government and councils to find ways of providing a “supportive structure” to help firms through the crisis.
As part of a two-day visit to the area, Ms Cameron was the keynote speaker at a Women in Business networking lunch held by Lochaber Chamber of Commerce (LCC), at the Moorings Hotel in Banavie, near Fort William.
She said: “We are already seeing a number of businesses, particularly on the travel and tourism side, being impacted by coronavirus.
“I was told of bookings being cancelled and there is a high level of concern in the hospitality and events sectors.
“While health needs to be the number one focus, we should not actually panic.
“Although a number of businesses can adapt to work from home, in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, distribution and supply chain, it’s not so easy to change business models quickly.
“There are also issues for people with childcare to consider.
“What was evident today was a renewed commitment to support each other through what we believe to be a short-term issue.”
Ms Cameron added: “We need to consider closely how we can put in a supporting structure to help businesses keep operating.
“That is what I am going to be speaking to the Scottish Government and councils about.”
She said she had been impressed by the growth and ambition in Lochaber, as well as the number of new businesses starting up in the area.
As well as the lunch, she addressed a group undertaking a leadership programme run by LCC and attended a meeting of the organisation’s board.
She was also due to visit a number of businesses in the area today, including Nevis Range mountain resort and the BSW sawmill at Corpach.