Following our experience with a discarded copy of The Glasgow Herald on Wednesday last, we decided to take the paper for a day or two to assess whether or not we were justified in our remarks of that day. This morning's paper cost us a whopping £1.40 but, for reasons that are about to follow, it was money well spent!
The scenario is about Kinloch Lodge Hotel at Sleat and about which Lady Claire Macdonald, poor Godfrey's other half, is being interviewed by Herald writer Cate Devine, a media luvvy if ever there was one. In the interview, if that is the right word, Claire calls for a cut in Hospitality VAT to at least a maximum of 10%. "No wonder", says Claire, "we have a reputation for being an expensive destination for holidays". The paper then goes on to sanctify Claire as an "acclaimed hotelier" etc etc, no doubt because Claire's website states the immortal line that "the Macdonald's (sic) are the ultimate hosts, not only allowing their highland (sic) hideaway to become yours too.......". Sorry, but we couldn't take any more.
Well, here at the Cnoc Laimsiadair, we have done our own sums, albeit with the aid of a calculator, and we come to a very different conclusion altogether. Claire charges from £160 to £220 per person per night, presumably, but not certainly, inclusive of VAT, so that if we take the boyfriend with us, that would double to £320 and £440 per night. As we are very partial to a little bit of luxury, we would always take the best room as we don't want to be billeted anywhere near the servants' quarters. Of that £440, the VAT figure at 20% would be £88, leaving an after-VAT profit for Claire and Godfrey of, we calculate, £352, just for the one night!
Aye, no wonder indeed, Claire, at what they say about the Scottish Highlands Hotelier!
PS We are told that The Herald Magazine has more on this story but we have had enough and refuse to read further. And no wonder The Glasgow Herald is facing extinction.
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