Top Highland hotels unite to back ‘help out hospitality’ push this spring

The new “help out hospitality” push is inspired by the Eat Out to Help Out scheme rolled out by the UK government during the Covid crisis.

Hotels, restaurants and bars across the Highlands have now joined forces to deliver the new campaign until the end of March, including the five-star Links House at Royal Dornoch, Highland Coast Hotels on the NC500, Turas Hotels, the Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye and the Pierhouse Hotel in Argyll.

Many operators have reported struggling to balance affordability for customers with sustainability for their businesses. Rising food costs have squeezed margins, with staples such as meat, fresh produce and selected grocery items seeing double-digit price increases.

Wage pressures are also intensifying as businesses strive to retain staff in a competitive labour market while making higher national insurance contributions.

Led by food and drink procurement specialist The Full Range the campaign is encouraging customers to rediscover the best of Scottish and UK-wide hospitality with some 100 special deals available nationwide.

The Full Range director Barry Knight said: “In recent years, rising food costs have put major pressure on hospitality, and upcoming changes to business rates and wage thresholds will make profitability even tougher. By working together, we can ease the strain and inspire people to enjoy the best of UK hospitality at a time when every visit counts.”

Phil Scott, managing director of Links House at Royal Dornoch on the famed North Coast 500 route, said: “Help out hospitality is a reminder that our industry is at its best when it acts as a community. At its heart, hospitality is about generosity, connection, and shared experience, and this initiative brings those values to life.

“By standing together, sharing support, and opening our doors to one another’s audiences, we strengthen the whole sector. We’re proud to be part of something that supports independent businesses, builds resilience, and celebrates what makes Scottish hospitality so special,” he added.