Local pubs say they have been hit hard by the low prices of alcohol on offer from supermarkets and this has forced some out of business.
Paul MacLennan, the owner of the Colquhonnie House Hotel in Strathdon, spoke to the Piper about why all rural pubs should feel under threat.
He said: “Living in the rural community is a important way of life for many people but rural pubs are disappearing.
“Pubs pay around 9% of their gross profit on alcohol sales in Business rates compared to Tesco who only pay 2% on their total alcohol sales. How can this be right?
“Only last week I visited my local cash and carry and it is a bad sign when you are told that you can get the majority of the items cheaper in the supermarket.
“Pubs and hotels need to find a unique selling point, but even this does not guarantee success these days.”
Mr Maclennan, who is also the chairman of the Aberdeenshire Central Licensing Forum has called on the Scottish government to act quickly.
“Does the Scottish Government really think that rural communities can keep absorbing these cuts to their way of life?
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