A Dundee business owner says she has been left out of pocket after her booking to work at The 150th Open in St Andrews was cancelled at the last minute.
The Streat Kitchen in Dundee, a family run start-up, was due to operate at the event as a food vendor.
But owner Carrie Shannon says organisers of the major golf tournament suddenly told her she would not be required after she organised extra staff, a special menu and a special stock deal.
Up to 290,000 people are expected in St Andrews for the golf tournament, which kicks off on July 14.
Speaking to The Courier, Dundee resident Carrie said the cancellation has left her out of pocket as she appealed to organisers to allow her to attend.
She said: “I’m hoping the power of social media will help them realise the impact this has.”
Carrie had been put forward to organisers by a fellow business owner and was asked to submit menus alongside her licence and insurance.
She was waiting to hear further information about set up in the campsite, but says subsequent inquiries went unanswered.
“I was actually going to have a space in the camp site where there will be around 2,000 people,” she said.
“You had to do a breakfast and evening shift, so you had to create a menu for your breakfast and then your evening meals.
Last minute let down for Dundee business
“That was all done, and I was asked to send my menus, licence and insurance.
“I did that and was just waiting to hear back about times when I would set up.”
After finally making contact with organisers, Carrie was told on Monday they had “overbooked on vendors” and that she would not have a space.
Streat Kitchen, based on Staffa Place in Dundee, only opened in April this year, making the cancellation even more upsetting for Carrie.
Carrie had organised extra staff for the event, who she has now had to cancel, as well as buying extra equipment.
“We had a stand at West Fest a few weeks ago, and we were the busiest stall.
“There were a few learnings we took from that like extra fryers, staff and printing menus differently.
“So I’ve already incurred costs, lots of wee things that I’ll never get back.”
‘It has a knock-on affect’
She added: “I’m not really getting any answers about why I was told I’d have a space and then told I wouldn’t.
“I’ve already spoken to suppliers, so they’ve agreed in principle and I have to go back to them and say I can’t go ahead with the order.
“It has an a knock-on affect not just on me but also the staff and suppliers.”
A spokesman for The Open Camping Village, said: “We received expressions of interest from a number of vendors wishing to operate at the camping village this year and unfortunately we were not able to accommodate all of them on-site.
“We thank everyone who came forward to show their interest in working with us and are excited to be welcoming guests to the venue this weekend.”
Conversation