Warning over future of East Neuk businesses

However, with international travel restrictions in place and people in the UK being urged not to travel and to instead self-isolate, people are less likely to travel.

While businesses across the Fife will be affected by the changes, few places will likely be quite so impacted as the East Neuk.

Roger Brown, chair of Visit East Neuk, described the situation as a “tragedy” and warned that some businesses might not survive.

“Tourism is one of the main parts of the economy in the East Neuk,” he added.

“A lot of businesses rely on tourists for their livelihood.

“I think anyone in business in the East Neuk is in the tourism business, one way or another. This is serious. It’s a tragedy and some businesses might not survive.”

Mr Brown advised businesses to try to continue operating, even if it means working remotely, and to remind customers that they are there.

“Looking ahead, there could be a boom for the tourism business in the East Neuk because people won’t be able to go abroad,” he added.

“But that’s looking at the positive side.

“Tourism is a huge part of the economy and it’s going to have a big impact. I can’t offer any words of comfort.”

The Fife Chamber of Commerce is encouraging all businesses to follow all the official advice on what to do to minimise the spread of Coronavirus so they can keep operating as close to normal as possible.

Alan Mitchell, chief executive, said that every small firm and company in the Kingdom is likely to be affected now and in the coming weeks.

“The reality is that every business in Fife will be impacted by COVID-19,” he said.

“We are seeing the effects at Fife Chamber, with meetings being cancelled and our own Fife Business Awards Ceremony later this month postponed. Like all businesses, we don’t know how bad things will get and for how long, so we are constantly reviewing all the options that are open to us to allow us to continue to operate, and provide the best possible support for our members and the other partners we work with.”