New farm store at Brough gets go-ahead from council planners
A new farm shop supplying locally produced food to locals and visitors on the North Coast 500 has been approved by planners.
The new Midgey Bites Farm Shop at Brough, near Dunnet, aims to bring back an old-style country store tradition, and will be "in keeping with the village feel".
Submitted on behalf on Tracey Inkson, the proposals, which were approved by Highland Council earlier this month, will see a new-build shop along with a new access and parking area for 10 vehicles. A new septic tank drainage system will also be included in the building works.
The business currently operates a market garden at Myrtle Cottage, Brough, including a mobile farm stand. The new shop will provide items such as milk, meat, bakery goods, vegetables and other local produce.
A supporting statement for the application states: "We do not have any traditional, country farm shops locally that we find so often when travelling outside of Caithness, and having grown up with these, we feel they are a shopping experience that would benefit Caithness.
"Being able to shop for vegetables grown on site and harvested that same day and purchasing all the items made on site, or locally, is a special experience for both residents and tourists.
"We aim to leave a lasting impression from walking into our range of home-made breads and food items while becoming the new village shopping point.
"The building itself will be built with a country barn feel to fit in with local buildings and farms. Inside will be a rustic and country themed shop with wooden walls and rustic wooden crates/wicker baskets and country shelving to create a warm and ambient feel.
"Bringing back the feel of an old-fashioned farm shop full of fresh food and colourful vegetables and flower displays with a huge emphasis on local and feeling homely. There will be a food to takeaway section.
"With living on the North Coast 500 we believe it will be a great feature for those passing to Dunnet Head and staying in local campsites to buy local groceries."
There are also plans to hold bread-making and flower arranging workshops at the store.
In its first year it plans to open from Thursday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, then to add Wednesday openings in year two.
Two new full-time jobs are expected to be created in the first year, along with a further full-time post in the second year, as well as two new employees required for the farming of the vegetables and flowers.
"We currently employee one part time delivery driver which will remain and one part time market gardener," the statement adds.
Highland Council granted permission subject to a number of conditions, include providing bike storage for at least two bicycles, providing an electric car charge point, submitting details of landscaping works, plus producing details of outside lighting and signage plans.
