Business / Kveldsro Hotel set to reopen ‘as soon as it is fair and right for staff’
ONE of Lerwick’s hotels should open its doors again next year, says owner Robert Smith.
The Kveldsro on Greenfield Place has been shut since coronavirus lockdown began in March 2020.
It is part of the Brudolff Group, which also owns the Lerwick and Shetland hotels.
Whilst those two premises reopened for essential workers later in 2020, the Kveldsro remained shut.
Smith told Shetland News: “In October 2020 I realised that with the Kveldsro shut, it was a good time to renovate and improve.
“Over the next six months or so we completely redid all the ground floor public areas, and then all the bedroom corridors.
“I was and still am excited to show everyone the new look.”
However, staffing issues are continuing to affect the industry.
Smith explained that his other hotels have been very busy recently and staffing remains tight.
“The idea of trying to get them to operate the Kveldsro at the same time just isn’t fair,” he said.
“Last summer our staff worked long hours in a busy environment and it just wouldn’t be right to try to include another hotel at that time.
“We can no longer take staff from outwith the UK which is a huge restriction.
“I have lobbied for an exemption for the hospitality industry similar to one enjoyed by the fruit farm industry, but there is no sign of anyone agreeing to that.”
He concluded: “The Kveldsro will reopen, and with its new look, as soon as I think it is fair and right for our staff in Shetland.
“At the moment that will be no later than February 2024, as we have taken bookings for 2024 already, and if people became available maybe earlier.”
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