Tourism providers warn: 'help us before it's too late'

Scottish tourism officials have criticised the Scottish Government's review of Covid-19, saying lots of firms are "fallen through the cracks"

"Whilst there has been much talk of a recovery and staycation boom this year, as it stands under 2% of attractions are operating with turnover figures comparable to 2019," said ASVA chief Gordon Morrison.

Fewer than one in four have made a sustainable business, and 46 per cent fear their businesses will be unprofitable if they continue to face physical barriers and international travel restrictions after the end of this month

Meanwhile, Wild Scotland found that more than a third of businesses in the wildlife, Adventure and Activity sector that had a chance to reopen regard its future as non-viable, with 55 per cent operating at a capacity below 50 per cent.

Sail Scotland said that 80% of charter and small cruise operators it surveyed said that the current policy was an unsustainable response.

The ASSC noted that 32 per cent of self-sufficient workers operate at reduced capacity, 16 per cent simply broke even and a further 16 per cent are 'unavailable' but financially unviable.

Chief executive Fiona Campbell said: 'These surveys from people across the length and breadth of Scottish tourism show one thing very clearly - important parts of our sector are falling through cracks in the Scottish Government's response to Covid-19.