'Essential workers only' at Inverness Hotel, claim owners

Raigmore residents have raised concerns over the volume of cars at an Inverness hotel.

Saying they believed holiday makers were staying at the hotel due to the numbers of cars over the weekend with top boxes and bike racks - the hotel owners have said they check the credentials of everyone staying at the hotel.

Jurys Inn, near the Raigmore Interchange, has been one of only a small number of hotels remaining open during the pandemic to offer support to essential workers, or those travelling for essential purposes.

Jurys Inn owners said the hotel was busy due to its location near to the hospital and for contact work for, among other people, the energy industry.

However, concerned residents said they believed the hotel's car park was full over the weekend and raised concerns that holiday makers were visiting the area.

A spokeswoman for the hotel chain, said while the hotel was busy - it was due to the number of essential workers in the area, and every person who came to the hotel was asked to provide evidence that they had a right to be staying in the area.

She also said that contract workers in the energy industry, who stayed ion the premises may leave their car in the car park while they worked away from the hotel.

She said: "In line with government guidelines, Jurys Inn Inverness remains open for permitted stays only. All guests are required to provide suitable documentation to prove their stay is essential."

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