Shock as Baxters Highland Village jobs face axe after coronavirus blows make trading 'untenable'
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JOBS could be axed at Baxters Highland Village in a move which has sent shockwaves throughout Moray.
It emerged that the firm is to consult on job losses as a result of the proposed closure of its retail and catering operations at its Fochabers HQ.
The effects of the Covid pandemic are being primarily blamed on the decision to not reopen the restaurant and shop once lockdown restrictions are eased.
A spokesperson for Baxters said: “We are currently in a consultation process with employees at our Highland Village restaurant and retail outlet in Fochabers regarding the potential closure of the site.
"Like many hospitality and retail businesses, the pandemic has exacerbated the already challenging trading conditions meaning the future of the Highland Village is untenable.”
Moray MP Douglas Ross described the news as a "big blow" to the area.
He said: "The loss of Baxters Highland Village is a big blow to the local economy here in Moray.
"The restaurant and shops have been a big draw for people passing through or visiting Moray.
"Clearly the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting restrictions are having a devastating impact on our tourism and hospitality sector in Moray, and across the whole country.
"My understanding is that there are around 30 people directly employed at the Highland Village and Baxters are working with them at present to look at all the options. There is never a good time to lose your job, but this will be a bitter blow to the staff at this really difficult time.
"As local MP, I will provide whatever support I can to those affected by this decision and would encourage the staff who face redundancy to contact my office if they think I can help."
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said his thoughts wer every much with the employees affected, the situation for them being "incredibly anxious".
"Not only is Baxters one of Moray’s biggest employers, but the Highland Village is an incredibly popular attraction that draws large numbers of visitors into the area," he continued.
"Covid is having a huge impact on all businesses in Moray, but I hope that the proposed closure is not permanent as that would be a massive blow to Fochabers and the wider Moray economy.
“This will be an incredibly anxious time for employee – it is essential that they have support they need from Baxters and local agencies to help them secure future employment.”
Council leader Councillor Graham Leadbitter said the impact of closure would be "significant".
He said: "Firstly, this is obviously a very concerning time for employees at Baxters Highland Village, who will be worried about what the future holds for them.
"I sincerely hope that a more positive outcome than closure might be achieved but the issue in the hospitality sector at present is clearly significant.
"Looking ahead I believe that we have strength in depth in tourism in Moray and that we can recover and grow tourism further but clearly closure of the Highland Village would be a significant blow for staff and a big loss for Moray."
There was shock from local councillors Marc Macrae, Shona Morrison and Dave Bremner.
Councillor Macrae commented: "News that the Baxters Highland Village will not be reopening once the coronavirus restrictions are eased will come as a shock having been very popular locally and wider afield with tourist coaches regular visitors.
"The closure and the loss of jobs will have big impact on the local community in Fochabers.
"It is the last thing this area needs in the middle of a pandemic when so many people and businesses are facing difficulties. My thoughts are with all of those affected and I will offer whatever support I can."
Councillor Morrison underlined the magnitude of the blow for the wider community as well as the affected workforce.
This is extremely concerning news for both employees and the local community.
"The Highland Village attracts huge numbers of visitors to the areas as one of Scotland’s most recognisable brands and it will be a devastating loss.
"As a family we have so many memories of visits to the Village enjoying many of the community events held. Bakery classes, Christmas eve with the reindeers anSantata and so many more. It will be a sore loss."
Councillor Bremner said he hoped that a way could be found to save the Highland Village from permanent closure.
Covid is affecting businesses across Moray and elsewhere and this news will be extremely disappointing and worrying for the staff of the Highland Village, their families, and for the wider Moray economy.
"I hope that through consultation, a way is found to avoid closure of both the restaurant and retail outlet, and that staff receive the support they will require through this difficult period."
The Baxters plant was visited by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last summer as part of a wider trip to Scotland.
