Hoteliers who spoke to the Banffshire Journal said that this Christmas and Hogmanay had been, in general, on a par with or better than last year.

Food and drink retailers, too, said that takings were much the same as in December 2007.

However, there were differing views about what the next 12 months might have in store.

Some businesses already have assurances of a good year ahead in 2009, while others spoke with cautious optimism as they make plans to navigate the murky waters of recession.

John Cox, owner of the Fife Lodge Hotel in Banff, told the Journal he was looking forward to ringing in the New Year after a busy festive period.

He said that over 300 people had booked a place at the hotel's family orientated Hogmanay party.

"We are fully booked at the restaurant and we could have filled the party night two or three times over – it sold out ages ago.

"December has been very busy for us, and we're already inundated with wedding enquiries for 2009 and 2010.

"We're looking forward to a busy 2009."

Another Banff hotel, the Springs, had a quieter holiday period than in previous years, but still had a good turnout for its festive party nights and Christmas meals.

Reception manager Maxine Riddoch said: "On Hogmanay night we offered a five course meal and had a five-piece band, "Illusion" from Keith, who were absolutely excellent.

"We didn't get the numbers we'd hoped for, we had about half what we'd normally expect, but at least we were still able to go ahead.

"We did have two good party nights before Christmas, which were better than last year, and there were two full sittings at Christmas, and everybody was really happy.

"Overall, it was quieter than normal, but we've had our fair share considering we're in the middle of a credit crunch. We're turning the corner, and hopefully this year will be a good one."

Terry Rotherham of the Aul' Fife bar and restaurant in Banff experienced a hectic month, with the restaurant side of his business up more than a quarter on last year.

He said: "We did 700 covers in the restaurant last December and 900 this December.

"That side of the business has been good, although the bar side has been slower.

"People are taking it steadier than last year, and we've got to realise that.

"What's important is keeping a steady ship for the next few months."

Mr Rotherham admitted that he had no plans to compete with bigger venues in the area by putting on live music and throwing a big party on Hogmanay.

With the majority of people likely to hop from bar to bar, he reasoned that considerable expenditure on New Year's celebrations would be unlikely to pay dividends.

However, the "Tops and Tails" fancy dress theme at the Aul' Fife on Hogmanay, did offer customers something "a bit different".

Banff's Seafield Nightclub saw in the New Year for the first time in 24 months, after fire damage forced its closure last Hogmanay.

Owner Des Cheyne said: "We have nothing to compare it with from last year, because we were closed after the fire, but we were up on two years ago.

"We were open eight nights out of the 14, and though there wasn't one big night, we are happy overall with the number of customers we had over the festive season.

"People only have so much money right now, so they can't be going out all the time."

Other hoteliers in the local area reported a better than expected Christmas period.

Euan Cameron, owner of Portsoy's Station Hotel said: "We've had a good festive period, better than last year.

"Our Christmas meals were very good and our party nights on December 13 and 20 were fully booked, with more people there than we'd expected.

"The bar is open on Hogmanay, and we're expecting a lot of people.

"We're looking forward to a good new year, though you never how things will pan out.

"People may holiday at home more, and we've had a lot of bookings for next year already."

Gary Fenwick, co-owner of the Seafield Arms Hotel in Whitehills, said: "It's been a steady festive season.

"With the credit crunch around, it's not been as bad as we'd expected.

"It's been a little quieter than last year, but this past week we've been holding our own."

Food and drink retailers reported steady, if unspectacular, business in the run up to the New Year.

Ewan Proctor, manager of the Banff Cooperative food store, told the Journal that special drinks promotions had helped push up sales on December 31.

He said: "Christmas Eve was particularly busy, with double our normal Wednesday sales, but it was not so manic on New Year's Eve.

"It's been ticking over nicely, but people have not been running about like headless chickens.

"Alcohol sales have been comparable to previous years, and some allocations of wine have sold particularly well. We have sold around 500 bottles of discontinued wines."

It was a similar story at the two Costcutter stores in Banff and Macduff, where the festive period was typified by steady trade.

Owner Des Cheyne said: "It's on a par with this time last year, which is acceptable considering the competition that is out there.

"We were able to hold our own, with alcohol, soft drinks and 'nibbles' all selling well.

"This year will be a trying time for everyone, but we're looking forward to the challenge.

"We've put together 25 promotion packages for 2009, compared to the usual 17.

"There will be more one-pound lines and two-for-one deals, which can only benefit the customer in what looks like it is going to be a difficult year for everyone."

shepherd_e@spp-group.com

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