Lochinver cafe with a mission to deliver
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A community business is providing an appetising new future for an important building in Lochinver.
The relaunch of the Lochinver Mission Building has kicked off with the opening of the new Mission Cafe, an enterprise owned and run by the community.
The Lochinver Mission Building Project came about as a result of the decision by the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen to withdraw from Lochinver after many years of serving the fishing community. With far fewer fishermen requiring the Royal National Mission's services the days of the building were numbered.
"The Assynt community and visitors had supported the Mission over the years, and have, in turn, been welcome recipients of some of the services supplied by the Mission. But once the withdrawal was announced the community was determined to maintain and develop further some of these services for itself and to promote economic and civic activity centred around the Mission Building," said Sandy Johnston of the Assynt Community Association.
David Whiteford, Chairman of North Highlands Initiative, congratulated the local community and said the building would add to the attraction of the area. “This project combines much of what the North Highlands offers to visitors – great tasting local food, characterful buildings in fantastic settings, and a strong sense of community. I wish it every success.”
The project has truly been a collaborative approach between Highland Councillors, local groups and individuals and it has been this approach that has been the core to it becoming a beacon of the BIG Lottery and BBC Village SOS Learning Campaign by delivering the building and the services to be provided from it.
The building’s heating and hot water are both provided by renewable energy delivered by solar panels and a wood pellet boiler.
The Mission is currently employing ten members of the local community, and this enthusiastic team, under the leadership of the manager Jessica Thomas and Catering Manager Peter Cullen, are looking forward to creating a welcoming and friendly family atmosphere for local people and visitors.
The Mission building also houses a 14 bed bunkhouse which will open in early July. A Marine Centre and electronic Archive should both be completed later this year.
The Mission’s Official Opening will take place on 10 August, in the lead up to the Assynt Highland Games on 12 August. Future plans include the provision of training courses in catering, hospitality and archiving.
The Café’s opening hours during the summer months are 8am to 9pm (last orders). Whilst it remains unlicensed customers are welcome to bring their own bottle.
