Teens devastated as hotel axes prom amid staff shortages

School leavers were devastated after their prom at a five-star hotel was cancelled at the last minute – due to staff shortages.

S6 pupils from Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh were gutted to be told the bash, which was due to host 150 at the city’s Balmoral Hotel on Friday, was not going ahead.

They were informed of the decision on Wednesday, only two days before it was supposed to take place.

Headteacher David Dempster assured parents and pupils that the prom will go ahead at a later date and are hoping to find a venue quickly, with an alternative date offered at the swish hotel in November – when many kids will be studying around the UK.

He said: “Whilst hugely disappointed at the last minute cancellation by the Balmoral, we do understand completely the stresses that the hospitality industry is under due to the effects of Covid-19.

“We have been assisted by the Balmoral and by some of our parents in trying to find an alternative venue for the prom.

“It is proving to be impossible to find a venue that can accommodate an event of this size at such short notice but we are confident that the prom will be able to take place at another venue in the next couple of weeks.

“Our S6 leavers will be given good notice of this.”

One outraged mum swore she would boycott the hotel despite having got married there.

Catherine Thorn, 51, said: “It is wicked to cancel at the last minute and the alternative date that has been offered is in no way compensation, as many of the young people will be unable to attend.

“I am outraged that the hotel has cancelled this event with such late notice.

“Outfits have been bought, many have spent hundreds of pounds on kilts and dresses, and the young people have been getting so excited after a very difficult period.

“If it was an event for rich powerful people they would be keeping it going.

“But because it for a group of school children it’s been easier for them to cancel.

“My husband and I got married at the Balmoral 26 years ago, and have returned many times since, but we will not be returning again.”

Director of sales and marketing at the Balmoral, Stephen Walker said: “As with many hospitality businesses we are experiencing some staff shortages due to a combination of positive tests and the impact of self-isolation following Government guidance.

“This has forced the unfortunate decision to postpone a scheduled event taking place in the hotel on Friday to a later date when our guests can experience the very best quality of service and hospitality.

“We are working with the event organisers to arrange a new date.”