Family transform Kinlochbervie Fishermen's Mission into cafe, gift shop and self-catering accommodation
A KINLOCHBERVIE family have breathed new life into the port’s old fishermen’s mission.
The Morrison family have turned the building into a cafe and gift shop, which opened on May 23, with a large, three-bedroom flat upstairs available as self-catering accommodation.
The substantial, harbour property was bought in 2008 by the late Donald Morrison, the owner of Norscot Seafoods Ltd, and has lain vacant in the years since.
His widow Joan, daughters Donna, Jacqui, Stefanie and son Daniel, who now runs Norscot, and their extended family are behind the new business, called the Quay House
“My father saw an opportunity when the Mission came up for sale - he thought it would be a legacy for his family,” said Donna. “We wanted to start the business for a long time, but having families, other jobs and relocations got in the way.
“When our father became ill in 2015, we decided we would start the cafe project with his help, but then the pandemic slowed us down. We sadly lost him in May 2020 before he could see the final result. He was hugely inspiring in what he had accomplished in his life.”
She added: “We had to do a lot of repairs to the building as it was empty for so long, and we completely renovated the cafe and shop area, but it still retains the essence of the original building.
“It was a large personal investment for us and unfortunately we did not receive any outside help or funding.”
The 40-cover cafe is currently offering breakfast and lunches, serving homemade food including fish straight from the nearby harbour, and it is hoped to extend its opening hours. The gift shop showcases local gift and lifestyle products.
The business has struggled to recruit staff in the current climate.
“We have found it hard to find staff in these difficult times,” said Donna. “But since opening people have approached us asking about work and excited to join our team.”
She added that the family were delighted to be able to provide employment and a place where local people could meet, particularly following the social isolation of the coronavirus pandemic.