Airth Castle: Expert advice available to staff and customers caught up in hotel closure

The operators of Airth Castle Hotel voluntarily ceased trading on Tuesday, with the loss of 26 full-time staff and several part-time workers.Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national advice services consumeradvice.scot and advice.scot, subsequently issued guidance to make people aware of their rights as consumers, or regarding redundancy if they are staff members.

Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “This announcement will have left staff and customers with questions about what this means for them. Consumers with holidays, weddings, and other events booked will be wondering what they can do to get their money back.

“If the booking was made as part of a package, or through a third-party travel agent or company, you should contact them in the first instance to see what measures are in place.

“Those who paid with a debit card, can make a chargeback claim to their card provider. If you made the purchase on a credit card for over the value of £100, you could make a claim to your card provider using Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

“Those unable to claim back through Section 75 or chargeback, could look out for more information from the administrator handling the liquidation. For those concerned

about losing their jobs we have put together a guide to redundancy, specifically what employees can do if their employer enters administration.

“It’s important to remember that help is available, and anyone who is worried can contact one of our specialist advisers for free, impartial and practical advice.”

Following Tuesday’s announcement, several well known venues in the Falkirk area were quick to offer their support, with Inchyra Hotel and Spa stating it is committed to offering interviews to all staff affected by the Airth Castle Hotel closure and Beancross Farm offering its services to wedding couples.

People can freephone 0808 164 6000 or visit www.consumeradvice.scoton booking issues.

Advice on employment and redundancy rights is available by visiting www.advice.scotor by calling 0808 800 9060.