Western Isles cafes and restaurants serve up 9000 meals under ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme

The initiative, which ran during August, provided diners at participating restaurants a discount of 50 per cent off their meals (up to a maximum of £10 per person) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

In the Western Isles, 45 restaurants registered to take part in the scheme. In total, the discount received by diners in the Western Isles was £56,000, working out at an average saving of £6.59 per meal.

The final figures are likely to be higher as restaurants have until the end of this month to make their claim under the scheme.

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron said: “I am delighted that so many people took advantage of the Chancellor’s scheme and that as many as 45 establishments participated.

“We all know that this has been a very challenging time for the hospitality industry so it is great news that local businesses have received this level of support.

“I very much hope that even though the scheme has ended, customers will continue to support their local restaurants and cafes which do so much to contribute to our worldwide reputation for hospitality.”

Across Scotland, more than six million meals were claimed under the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, with the total amount of discount claimed topping £38m.

Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack said: “The UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been a roaring success, helping protect 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported the scheme – as well as the staff who made it possible.”

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive, UK Hospitality, said the Eat Out To Help Out scheme had been a great success for the hospitality sector.

She said: “Our members have reported very strong bookings throughout August at a time when the sector really needed a boost.

“It has helped provide a lift in consumer confidence which is going to be key for hospitality businesses as they look to reopen and help rebuild the economy. “