Lothian MSP and Pentland Hills Councillor, Sue Webber, went back to floor at a top Edinburgh restaurant and bar on Friday 22nd October, as part of her ongoing support for the country’s vibrant hospitality sector.
Sue Webber, who is Shadow Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health & Sport for the Scottish Conservatives, spent the day going back to her hospitality roots at McLarens on the Corner in Edinburgh’s Morningside.
Councillor Webber worked in the Scottish hospitality sector between 1990 and 1996, before entering healthcare industry in 1997, and ultimately politics in 2017.
During her recent visit to McLarens on the Corner, Councillor Webber honed her skills serving customers, welcoming guests to the venue, creating cocktails, being a barista for the day and get a taste for street food in the venue’s ‘Scranavan’ food truck. She also got the chance to talk directly to staff and customers about their own experiences of the hospitality industry as it slowly emerges from the devasting impact the Covid pandemic.
The experience allowed Councillor Webber to get a more personal insight into the exciting range and diversity of long-term career opportunities currently up for grabs for young people across Scotland’s hospitality industry.
McLarens on the Corner is owned and operated by Scottish hospitality group, Signature, which is currently recruiting for over 100 front-of-house and behind-the-scenes roles across its venues. The group has a predominately young workforce and a portfolio of 21 bars, restaurants and hotels in Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, Bridge of Allan and Aberdeen, including the iconic Cold Town House in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
Steven Simpson, General Manager of McLarens on the Corner, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Councillor Sue Webber MSP to McLarens on the Corner. As part of her visit we were able to showcase the value of the Scottish hospitality industry and the many skilled career opportunities the industry has available as we slowly emerge from the devasting impact the Covid pandemic.
“As a local MSP and councillor, as well as having a background in hospitality, Councillor Webber was perfectly suited to a day getting her sleeves rolled up and back on the floor at McLarens on the Corner to see just how exciting and diverse working in a hospitality environment really is.
“It’s more important than ever that we get the message out there that young people within Scotland have the opportunity to play an important role in helping the hospitality sector get back on its feet after the damaging impact of the pandemic. Employing committed, skilled and enthusiastic staff will be an important part of that process.”
Councillor Sue Webber MSP, added:
“The changes and adaptations these businesses have made to protect staff and customers from COVID has been a further pressure for them. This business has committed to creating an excellent and exciting place to work.
“There are many opportunities for advancement and to make hospitality a career. I have had a super day learning and listening to members of staff, and of course getting stuck in. It’s been a while since I pulled a pint!”
