Shadow Finance Secretary Donald Cameron has urged the Scottish Government to take action to address the growing crisis facing the Scottish tourism and hospitality industry.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament Mr Cameron cited the closure of three major hotels in his Highlands and Islands region – the Bay Caledonian Hotel in Fort William, the Bay Great Western Hotel in Oban and the Bay Highland Hotel in Strathpeffer – as evidence of the damage being wreaked on the local economy.

Speaking later he said: “The tourism sector is of even greater significance to the Scottish economy than it is to the overall UK economy, while for the Highlands and Islands it is absolutely critical.

“What I am seeking from the Scottish Government is an acknowledgement of this fact, and a commitment that it will do more than just rely on the UK Government to save the industry.

“The SNP Government has always found the money to spend on their political priorities. I want to see them do far more to  prioritise the livelihoods of people dependent on a thriving tourism sector.

”We are likely to be coming out of lockdown later than the rest of the UK and that needs to be reflected in the assistance provided to our beleaguered businesses.”