Scottish Parliament hails Huntly hotel owners who opened their doors to people stranded by the storm
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The owners of the Castle Hotel in Huntly have been recognised in parliament for putting up dozens of people free of charge after they were stranded by snow.
When the A96 was closed last Saturday due to blizzards, the hotel, locked down, was opened, heating turned up and beds prepared for people who would otherwise have had to spend the night in their cars.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, asked the Scottish Parliament to congratulate Linda and Andrew Meiklejohn, owners of the Caste Hotel in Huntly, for accommodating 28 stranded travellers during extreme winter conditions on the A96.
A doctor, paramedic and children were among those kindly offered free rooms by the couple at the 18th century, four-star Castle Hotel just north of Huntly after being transported there by police and Cotag crews at the weekend.
Mr Burnett said the couple were a credit to the Huntly community following their act of kindness and generosity.
He said: “These people faced the prospect of freezing in a car park overnight which would have been absolutely dreadful.
“However it’s people like Linda and Andrew Meiklejohn who put a smile on everyone’s faces during such a difficult period caused by both the weather and Covid.
“This was an outstanding act of kindness and generosity from the couple who are a credit to the Huntly community.
“Their admirable efforts ensured everyone was safe and prevented people from feeling like they had to try and drive home on the A96 during such treacherous conditions.
“It’s a privilege to recognise Linda and Andrew in parliament and I wish them all the very best for the future as they, like all hotels and other accommodation, battle against the difficulties caused by Covid.”
Mrs Meiklejohn said that she was taken aback by the recognition.
She said: "We have been so much kindness by so many people getting in touch to thank us for what we did for these people and even coming to our door to show their appreciation."
