Linny Oliphant, from Lockerbie, recently launched The Love Bug campervan hire for weddings and events and was looking forward to a busy summer of bookings. But the pandemic has put paid to all that.
She said: “Like all creative/tourism/hospitality businesses, the Covid-19 pandemic wiped out our entire spring/summer season which as a new, small, local business was our all important launch season. It has been terribly upsetting to see all weddings postponed and we have been unable to add a stunning 1958 split screen van to our fleet as intended. We are licensed and, with the cancellation of music festivals, our mobile prosecco bar bookings were lost plus a distillery tasting event, not to mention three fashion productions and a celebrity visit we were ecstatic to secure and be bringing to Dumfries and Galloway.”
However, she’s staying positive and planning ahead. Linny said: “The Love Bug D&G is delighted to be receiving bookings for 2021 weddings and events and has introduced a gift voucher scheme in attempt to ease the blow slightly.
“It is so important to stay positive and focus on our response. The region has always boasted the most amazing community spirit and our key workers have done us proud. During this downtime The Love Bug D&G has focused on providing a first class friendly service, being at the end of the phone/Zoom for clients whose big day has been postponed and attempting to provide some sort of entertainment on digital media – the aim being to foster a sense of social cohesion and remind people of the good in the world during these strange and isolating times.”
She is also putting together a portfolio of bespoke regional tours and tailor made SWC300 itineraries in association with VisitScotland and added: “Joint marketing strategies have never been so important for the region’s visitor attractions and hidden gems.”
Looking ahead, Linny said: “Roll on the end of lockdown, we have our vehicle partitions and PPE at the ready for the ‘new norm’ and can’t wait to get on the road again to support and show off our beautiful region and to get back to work with the wonderful brides and grooms to be, venues, photographers, florists and all who make creating weddings with real wow factor such a pleasure.”
