Scottish independent operator Turas Hotels Group is investing in staff accommodation and a new training and development programme as it looks to address ongoing recruitment challenges across its Highland properties.
The group, which owns six hotels, as well as restaurants and distilleries, has reviewed how it can respond to staffing pressures affecting hospitality, particularly in remote locations where a lack of available housing adds to recruitment difficulties.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 59,000 jobs were lost in UK hospitality last year alone and a 2024 survey of hospitality workers and businesses in Scotland by the Fair Work Convention found that 47% of respondents had experienced major problems recruiting staff. A further 24% cited issues linked to high staff turnover, while 44% said they had reduced operating hours as a result.
As a result, Turas says it is now introducing a package of learning, support and accommodation improvements aimed at strengthening recruitment and staff retention across the business.
From 1 April, all new staff joining the group will receive a training and development plan. This will include online inductions featuring introductions to the internal layouts of the properties, as well as messages from general managers.
The geography of the group’s portfolio, which stretches from Highland Perthshire to the North Coast 500, is also a challenge particularly since access to private rental accommodation can be limited for employees. In 2023, one of its properties, The Seaforth in Ullapool, attracted attention after spending £475,000 on a motel for staff because of the village’s housing shortage and the group has since made further accommodation improvements at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore and the Boat Country Inn in Boat of Garten.
Turas is also running a staff discount programme, along with incentives, free online training courses and weekly check-ins designed to help staff feel supported. Content champions have also been appointed across the group, giving employees the chance to contribute to the business’s social media activity.
Delia Keating, Group Recruitment and Social Media Manager at Turas Hotels, said, “Recruitment is a major challenge, especially given our geographic locations in the Highlands and the lack of private accommodation available.
“We see a shortage of staff, particularly kitchen staff and that is why we are investing in discounted accommodation and launching our new training and development plan.
“When people are due to start a new job, there can be a bit of anxiety. The induction videos are designed to make things familiar before they even arrive. They will see where they are going and will meet key staff like their General Manager.
“Our venues are beautiful, so we want people to feel excited about coming to work with us, and proud. We want them to feel supported before they arrive, and after.”
Turas said measures already introduced by the business have helped reduce staff turnover despite the challenges created by geography, and it hopes the latest steps will further strengthen recruitment across the group.
Keating added, “We understand that people might want to go on and better themselves or go on to study.
“The message that we want to convey is that they can grow and develop, here, within the business.
“We have a lot of international staff here and we give them flexibility with their hours so they can go and see these lovely locations. We give them discounts on things like our distillery tours at Uile-bheist in Inverness, little things that add value.
“When it comes to guests, they get a little welcome letter and a gift on their beds. We do that with staff, too. Why not? Staff are such a key part of our business.”
Picture: Turas Hotels group staff at one of its properties, McKays, will benefit from enhanced, discounted accommodation and tailored development packages.
