SNP MP Drew Hendry has written to the CEO of Britannia Hotels, Alex Langsam, asking him to rescind the redundancy letters sent to staff at the Coylumbridge Hotel in his constituency.

Staff at the Aviemore hotel were shocked yesterday when they were issued letters out of the blue, informing them that their services were "no longer required" and demanding that they leave their accommodation immediately.

Britannia Hotels have been slammed for the decision, which left employees homeless in the midst of a global pandemic – some of whom are from European countries currently in lockdown.

Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, said: “This move by Britannia Hotels is completely unacceptable. I understand it is a worrying time for the hotel trade and urgent support is needed, but we are all in this emergency together. This fails even the most basic test of how to treat people.

READ MORE: Aviemore hotel sacks and evicts staff 'immediately' in virus crisis

“I have written to the CEO of Britannia Hotels and asked him to rescind the redundancy letters, and offered to discuss with him how a different path can be taken – one that supports everyone affected fairly and humanely. If there was ever a time for looking out for others, this is it, even when businesses are understandably concerned.

“However, whilst these redundancy letters were shocking and should be rescinded immediately, it is great to see the way the wider community is rallying round those affected with offers of support.”

The head of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, Marc Crothall, told Good Morning Scotland today that he was "absolutely speechless" at the actions taken by the parent company.

Crothall confirmed another of Aviemore's hotel operators, Macdonald Hotels, has stepped in to offer accommodation to the Coylumbridge staff.