A wholefood co-operative, thought to be the oldest in the Highlands, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Highland Wholefoods Workers Co-operative, based in Inverness, opened its doors in August 1989 supplying a range of natural and organic food and drink as well as environmentally-aware body and household products to discerning customers throughout the area.
The co-operative, which operates from a base in Longman Road, provides a service to the Highlands, Islands, Moray and Grampian areas of Scotland.
Highland Wholefoods is fully owned by its members who must be workers in the business.
The business was started 25 years ago by five people who identified a demand for wholesome and organic products within the area.
The co-op now employs 10 people and has a turnover of approximately £1.25 million.
Founding member Kevin McCubbin said: “The enterprise started off when five people came together to fulfill an identified gap in the provision of a service to the local community.
“A local wholefood shop, itself a workers co-operative, had recently closed and market research indicated a need for a facility that could distribute wholefoods across the Highlands, Islands, Moray and Grampian.
“Prior to the existence of Highland Wholefoods, large orders had to be supplied from outside the area.
“Our regular customers understand that by using a local business their spending helps the local economy because the money is recycled more times locally which is good for everyone.
“When Highland Wholefoods started back in 1989, there was no internet shopping – we didn’t even have a computer – and most of the products that we stocked back then were seen as unusual and hard-to-come-by, although today, many of the products in our huge range are now considered mainstream.”
To celebrate the anniversary, Highland Wholefoods invited key customers and suppliers to donate prizes to be given away in a week of 25 prizes over five days.
Pam Bochel, a member of the co-operative, said: “Suppliers and customers have been incredibly generous, donating some wonderful prizes such as vouchers for weekends away; dinner, bed and breakfast; meals for two; and a range of luxury hampers.
“We look forward to welcoming lots of new customers – in the past we have been referred to as the Highlands’ ‘best kept secret’ and we hope our birthday celebrations will help spread the word.”