The owner of an Inverness cafe has issued a plea to support local businesses following a difficult year.
Nyomi Dixon, who owns Whisk Away Cafe on Queensgate, has already thought about having to close and thinks other small businesses have too.
She claims this year has been a bigger challenge than returning after Covid.
Ms Dixon believes the city centre is “on its way to dead” and is desperate to see improvements in support and promotion.
Highland Council has responded to the criticism highlighting a number of initiatives it is running in Inverness.
Tough year in Inverness city centre for Whisk Away
Ms Dixon claims her business, which opened two years ago, has had a really difficult year.
She said: “It’s becoming more and more challenging to get people through the doors.
“It has been really tough this year for Whisk Away. It isn’t something I’ve hidden at all, you have to be honest.
“My staff know how difficult it’s been and the position we’re in. At the moment there have been hours cut – it’s better than job losses.”
Ms Dixon has even opened Cawdor Deli as a “backup plan” if the city centre situation continues.
She feels people are being “driven away” from the Highland capital.
She added: “Tourists aren’t kept here long enough and people here would rather travel to your likes of Aberdeen, Glasgow or Edinburgh.
“It’s a really dire situation. If small businesses get any less support than they currently do, places will close their doors.
“I think we will see it happen more and more as the city centre dies out.”
Plea for Highland Council to do more to attract new shops
Ms Dixon, who employs a total of 14 staff between her two businesses, is hoping locals will choose local businesses rather than ordering online.
She is also calling on Highland Council and building owners to do ” a lot more” to bring in new faces.
She added: “In my first year I was extremely fortunate to be rent-free in my unit to make sure it could be successful.
“If I hadn’t had that I wouldn’t even have my business today. There are a lot of empty units here – the council could be making similar offers in my opinion.
“A lot of talented people don’t get the chance to break through because of how big a risk Inverness city centre is.”
Council plan to rejuvenate Inverness
A spokesperson for Highland Council has highlighted areas of improvement across the city as well as future plans.
Its Inverness strategy is aimed at recognising and promoting the city centre as “Highland’s prime destination” for people and businesses.
It also wants to create a “forward-looking city” by making the best use of technology to improve the lives of residents and visitors.
The spokesperson said: “The Highland Council, through the Inverness Common Good Fund, has invested heavily in revitalising the Victorian Market to recreate a vibrant city centre small business hub in the heart of the Old Town of Inverness.
“Councillors have also approved an ambitious vision and strategy to guide future development and investment across the city.
“The vision aims to ensure Inverness and the city centre remain the premier destination for residents, visitors and investors.”
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