Carrbridge theme park appeals to locals to open their doors to workers
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One of the Highland's best-known attractions is asking local residents if they can open their homes to seasonal workers to help them through a staffing crisis.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge is on the hunt for accommodation for staff and are creating their own register of local lodgings.
General manager Danny Fullerton explained: "We are appealing to any local home owners who might have a spare room they'd be willing to let out to seasonal workers.
"We are really short of staff and are looking at every possible solution to help fill the gaps.
"And we are not alone – this massive shortage of staff is a problem shared by many operators in the hospitality and tourism sector.
"It is now at a critical level."
Last week the family attraction announced it was curtailing some of its operations as it currently did not have enough staff to run them.
Mr Fullerton said: "We know it is nothing new for people to take in lodgers but we thought there is no harm in pointing out to people the advantages of the current generous 'Rent a Room Scheme' run by the government which allows earnings from letting a room or rooms of up to £7500 a year tax free.
"What that might mean for people in these days of rocketing energy, food, fuel and other household costs is obvious.
"Having redundant space earn extra cash while getting to know new people and helping the local economy can't be a bad thing!"
Mr Fullerton is no stranger to having guests: "We had lodgers in our home for years – sometimes two or even three. We have been friends with many of them for years and generally found it to be a massively positive thing to do apart from the extra help toward the bills.
"We hope there will be some people who might consider this as a win-win situation and join Landmark's register of householders offering a room or rooms.
"We will try to help fill the rooms with reliable people coming to work for us."
Ross Coulter, Landmark's communications manager, has been busy setting up the registry of lodgers and households.
He said: "Lodger agreements are also much simpler and more flexible than normal rental contracts which can make it a more appealing option for the tenant and the householder.
"Taking in a temporary lodger could be a great way to earn a little extra money this summer. We can put local households in touch with any prospective tenants."
Details of the Landmark Register and the Government Rent a Room Scheme can be found by scanning the QR code or by visiting www.landmarkpark.co.uk/local-lodgings .
Several attractions at popular Highlands theme part have to be closed due to staffing shortages
