New boss at Lochinver Larder as plans for development approved
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A famous pie shop has finally come up with the recipe for success after filling a vacant manager's position that attracted more than 1000 applicants.
And the owners of Lochinver Larder have scored a winner with the new man – he used to work for Celtic FC.
The new role attracted the staggering number of applications in October only for the selected candidate to pull out at the last minute after realising where Lochinver was!
The avalanche of initial job seekers was almost twice the population of the village.
Lochinver Larder was staggered by the response, with applicants from all over the UK as well as Europe.
But Greer Church saw the advert – and also knew the interim manager Duncan Cameron – and now the Glaswegian has moved in a big change of job.
The 62-year-old has spent most of his career in financial control, including seven years as a business accountant at Celtic.
Mr Church has been overseeing the 15 staff as they operate out of the pie shack next to the restaurant – which is hoped to open again soon as restrictions are lifted.
Such is the popularity of the pies that the Larder is "limiting" to 500-a-week those that are sent by post.
"We have so much in-house demand we have to limit the pies-by-post service. We are already getting hundreds of people each day," said Mr Church.
"It has been a very steep learning curve for me, but an enjoyable one. I've involved myself in every part of the process – even deliveries – to see how it's done.
"This time last year I was looking at spreadsheets, now I'm doing 20,000 steps a day here with the pies. The job has been a challenge but I really wanted to do it."
Mr Church said he was enjoying playing golf and photographing in the area, which he said was "stunning".
"It's a lovely place. The setting is fantastic. It is a change from Glasgow, but I knew where Lochinver was and I came up in January to have a look. I certainly have no regrets – it's a great place with great pies. What's not to like?"
The eatery's owners John and Sarah Snyder plan to develop a visitor destination by combining the Larder with next door buildings Ardvar House and the Caberfeidh Pub, which was closed in 2018.
The new hospitality complex – Lochinver Larder and Boathouse – will offer a pub, restaurant, bistro café, delicatessen counter and bakery as well as a small microbrewery and fish smokehouse.
A planning application lodged with Highland Council was approved, subject to conditions, last week.
Mr and Mrs Snyder bought Lochinver Larder in January 2020 for around £900,000 from Ian and Debra Stewart, who founded the business in 1986. It is one of the largest employers in the area with 15 core staff.
The general manager's job was advertised last year at £45,000-a-year, plus accommodation, with benefits including an employee share scheme.
From the huge number of applicants, an initial shortlist of seven was selected last year, but only four turned up. The final two candidates were selected but both pulled out at the 11th hour.
