This case study is part of our visitor economy series, showcasing the widespread benefits of tourism and events in Scotland.
We spoke to Fishers Laundry to hear more about how they contribute to and benefit from the visitor economy as a major part of the supply chain across Scotland's hospitality scene.
When you stay at a hotel in Scotland — whether it's a big-name chain or a cosy boutique spot — there’s a good chance the crisp sheets, fluffy towels, and neatly pressed napkins have all been through a Fishers laundry.
Fishers Laundry, along with our sister company Shortridge, is a major part of the supply chain to the hospitality scene across Scotland and the north of England and part of K-Bro, the largest owner and operator of laundry and linen services in Canada.
We work with everyone from high-end hotels to local restaurants, taking care of everything textile-related: bed linen, towels, robes, chefs’ whites — you name it.
With state-of-the-art, highly automated laundries, Fishers handles more than 2 million individual items every week during peak season. And we don’t just keep things spotless — we're big on sustainability and innovation too. Our goal is to make life easier for hospitality providers so they can focus on giving guests the best experience possible.
Fishers' trucks are a familar sight on Scotland's roads.
Fishers is a major local employer — during peak season, we have around 900 people on the team across Scotland. That includes everything from laundry operatives and delivery drivers to customer service staff and behind-the-scenes support.
We're also passionate about working with other Scottish businesses and suppliers whenever we can, keeping things local and supporting the wider economy.
On the innovation front, Fishers has been leading the way with RFID tracking — a bit of tech magic that lets customers know exactly where their laundry is in real time. It's a game-changer for hotels managing large volumes of linen, helping them to keep track of their linen and stay on top of things to deliver a seamless guest experience.
Fishers mainly serves the hospitality industry — and we take that job seriously. We know how critical it is for hotels and restaurants to know that their linen will show up clean, fresh and on time. That reliability helps businesses focus on what they do best: welcoming guests from around the world (or just down the road).
But Fishers’ involvement in hospitality goes further than washing towels. The company is a proud supporter of the Scottish Thistle Awards — backing both regional and national events that celebrate the best in the industry. For us, it's about recognising the people and places that make Scotland’s tourism sector shine.
You’ll also find Fishers at industry events like ScotHot, and we have a voice in shaping the future of the sector as a Board member of the Scottish Tourism Alliance. We're not just behind the scenes — we're in the room, helping move tourism forward.
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands visiting Fishers stand at ScotHot 2025.
The visitor economy might not be rocket science — but it’s just as important.
Tourism is one of Scotland’s superpowers. It brings people here for the lochs, the legends, the warm welcomes, and the incredible food and drink. But it also supports real people and livelihoods — from tour guides and chefs to housekeepers and, yes, laundry services.
Everyone plays a part in making visitors feel welcome. And in return, the visitor economy keeps towns and villages alive, supports families, and contributes to the country’s success in a big way.
That’s why Fishers and Shortridge are proud to support the sector.