Aviemore MD's sacking was 'reasonable', rules employment tribunal
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Macdonald Hotels' sacking of its managing director last year was reasonable, an employment tribunal has decided.
Iain Miller claimed his dismissal on various grounds – among them the scandal of Ukrainian refugees' conditions at the Strathspey Hotel, revealed by the Strathy in November last year – had been unfair.
This week the tribunal dismissed the claim.
The company were quick to issue a statement to the Strathy celebrating the outcome.
A spokesperson said: "We are pleased that the employment tribunal found our decision in this matter to be reasonable.
"Maintaining high standards is a priority for the group and it is crucial that we have highly experienced, accountable senior people leading our resorts and hotels.
"As part of leadership changes, we have recently appointed Kenny McMillan as managing director of our Aviemore Resort. Kenny has been part of our business for almost 20 years and has an impressive track record for delivering excellent service and a first-class guest experience.”
Mr Miller was fired last year after Ukrainians at his hotel, sheltering from Putin's illegal invasion of their country, turned to the village's community council for assistance in dealing with a range of issues which were described as "harrowing".
The local watchdog group heard claims that the hotel was infested with mice, had a broken lift, an over-active fire alarm system, weak wi-fi and an unacceptable menu.
He was sacked after management concluded his “egregious” failings in the role had caused damage to the company’s reputation.
The employment tribunal was told that in August last year the hotel – was allocated to provide accommodation as part of a government refugee temporary housing contract.
In November, Mr Miller was emailed by the village's community council after they had heard the refugees' complaints. His reply was carried in the Strathy.
Mr Miller was also found by his boss to have failed in his duties over an 80th birthday party that went “disastrously” wrong, with under-prepared staff still setting up 90 minutes after the guests had been scheduled to arrive.
He was also blamed for leaving 85 rooms un-serviced for five days while a film crew was staying, the tribunal was told.
Among the accusations he faced was a claim that on the Ukrainians' complaints he had responded to the community without talking to Macdonald Hotel managers. He was also said to have failed in his duties regarding the lack of housekeeping for the film crew and for failing to “deal promptly” with the birthday party complaint.
His immediate boss, Natalya Macholla, had dismissed him without notice in December, the hearing was told.
He appealed unsuccessfully against the management’s findings and then sued the firm for unfair dismissal.
His claim was thrown out after the tribunal concluded that as the most senior person on site he was accountable for the things that had gone wrong.
His role was a very senior one, with consequent responsibilities to be "on top of how operations are functioning and
ensure their smooth running.”
Mr Miller was guilty of “non-observance” of his duties, “serious negligence” and “acting in a manner which in the company’s opinion is likely to prejudice the company’s reputation”.
Dismissing Mr Miller’s claim of unfair dismissal, employment Judge Rory McPherson said Macdonald Resorts’ decision to fire him was reasonable.
“Mr Miller was the most senior person based wholly on site. He was accountable for all aspects of the managing director role.”
The Strathy's attempts to contact Mr Miller have so far been unsuccessful.
