A family farm business in the Highlands plans to create jobs by opening a new shop and cafe on the site.
Proposals have been submitted to Highland Council for the development at Dalmore Farm, near Alness, which will bring much of the business under one roof.
The shop will sell a variety of goods, including produce from the farm, and the proposal also includes a farm animal petting area and an outdoor children’s play area. The venture is expected to create between six and eight jobs.
It is hoped the new business will attract both local and visiting shoppers, including NC500 tourists and in future day trippers from cruise ships docking at nearby Invergordon.
The move comes 33 years after Carolyn Wilson opened the first farm shop in a small hut at the site. She has since opened four shops in Alness – including The Larder, Victoriana Florist and Gifts and a clothes and shoes business, which will be brought together on the new site.
Her daughters Katie Christie and Jennie Wilson now both work in the business, while son David is the farm manager.
Mrs Christie said: “It’s really exciting news. The aim is to make the business more sustainable and profitable going forward. We wanted to do this for quite some time and used the time we had in lockdown to plan for the future.
“Everything surrounding the new build is exciting for us including being able to offer new job opportunities. During such uncertain times for all business this new project will provide a sustainable future for our family and staff moving forward.”
