Additional support for north businesses includes Tongue hotel
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Through the second round of its COVID-19 support scheme, made possible thanks to a contribution of £100,000 from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the Caithness Business Fund has been able to support additional businesses across the North Highlands with their plans for reopening – including the Tongue Hotel.
All successful applicants to the second round have had their grants distributed, helping to enable activities including the development of risk assessments and safe working procedures, the purchase of PPE and cleaning supplies, and modifications to premises to enable a safe return to operations as lockdown restrictions ease.
John McNamara, head of stakeholder relations at the NDA said: “We know local businesses are facing huge challenges and additional costs in adapting to new guidelines aimed at keeping their staff and customers safe, as they look to re-open.
“We are delighted to increase support to them through the Caithness Business Fund, and to re-affirm the NDA’s commitment to play a part in the Highland community’s efforts in recovery from the current crisis.”
David Hook of the Tongue Hotel, which received £3500, said: "The necessity of locking down our business over part of the tourist season - usually our busiest time of year - has been challenging. It is fantastic that we are able to open again to visitors from mid-July, and the support provided by the Caithness Business Fund will be instrumental in enabling us to purchase the equipment and amenities we need to safely welcome visitors back to the beautiful North Highlands."
Following two successful funding rounds, the first enabled by a contribution from Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd and the second by a contribution from the NDA, the fund has been able to support 125 businesses throughout the North Highlands.
