How Maryculter House have been adapting to the changes in Scottish regulations

On a recent IoH Coffee and Conversation, Peter Walker FIH shared some of his ideas for adapting the way things worked at Maryculter House following the changes in Scottish regulations. We just had to find out more!

You are currently working as Managing Director of Maryculter House in Aberdeen, how are things there at the moment?

Challenging – business is tough, but its tough for everyone just now.

How did you react to the news from Nicola Sturgeon this week about indoor hospitality in Scotland shutting at 6pm?  

Every announcement is worrying but we were felt lucky in many ways with last week’s announcement because with us being a hotel we can still serve residents after 6pm, albeit with no alcohol…

On a recent IoH Coffee and Conversation, you told us about some of the creative ways you are trying to address these current challenges, can you share some of those ideas with us?  

With every new challenge thrown at us we are continually trying to be as creative as we can to still deliver the best experience for our guests.  Some exciting things we have developed so far include working the curfew into our Hogmanay package to ensure our guests can welcome in the new year albeit in a slightly different way this year. We have plans in place for tables with their own fire-pits outside so guests can enjoy a ‘cosy cocktail’ and make their own s’mores whilst wrapped in a blanket! We have also created an alternative offering to the traditional office Christmas party. For those we are working in offices we can deliver individually boxed Christmas Afternoon Teas to them and for those still working from home there is an option for home delivery.

Hospitality has never seen a challenge like this pandemic before, do you think there will any positives to come from it?

I think hospitality is now viewed more respectively than perhaps it was.  We have also all learned how to run our businesses more efficiently which has to be a positive.

How did you support your staff during the lockdown? 

It was important that throughout lockdown we kept up communications with staff.  Not only to keep them in the loop with what was happening with the hotel in terms of reopening plans, furlough arrangements, etc but also just to check in and make sure everyone was doing ok.  We’re a small team so we instinctively lookout for each other and lockdown was no different.

As an MD, tell us three personality traits you need to get to the top in hospitality. 

Hard working, approachable, eye for detail.

What makes hospitality such a special industry to work in? 

The people – whether its your staff, colleagues or your guests. Also the buzz when its busy, there’s nothing quite like it…

This week we’ve had the AGM of the Scotland Branch of IoH. How important is it that these regional committees exist? 

It’s so important – we have to work together, innovate, collaborate to fight for our industry, better our industry and bring people together.

What was the general feeling of members in Scotland at the virtual event? 

The feeling was positive. We are trying to resurrect the Institute in Scotland and the feeling that something is happening and that we are trying to push things on was definitely appreciated.

How can hospitality businesses work together to promote tourism in Scotland?

I think we all individually have an obligation to put our best foot forward, especially during these immensely challenging times to show the best of what we do as a business but also to showcase the best of the region and wider Scotland.  If we all strive for this then the collective picture of Scotland a whole will be incredibly impactful. 

As a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, which elements of the membership do you use the most? 

I joined the Institute to become part of a bigger network and have found it great connecting with other Members on Linked in… sadly as I’m based in Scotland, I’ve been unable to attend many live events, but since lockdown I’ve taken advantage of the fantastic webinars that have been put on and have attended the weekly Coffee and Conversations which I’ve found very enjoyable. I’m heavily involved in the Scottish Branch of the IoH and am very passionate about showcasing Scottish hospitality!