Scourie eatery wins Regional Edge award to help with vision of converting a shipping container into a restaurant
An open-air eatery on the North Coast 500 tourist route in north-west Sutherland has won a £15,000 award to help develop its business.
Crofter’s Kitchen at Scourie Beach was one of five Highland recipients of the new Scottish Regional Edge award.
Grant Mercer, who set up the business with his wife Heather last year after buying a croft in Scourie in 2022, said the funding would allow them to progress their vision of converting a shipping container into a restaurant.
The move will increase seating capacity by 50 per cent and will create new employment opportunities.
Mr Mercer, who has 16 years of experience as a chef and was previously head chef at Kylesku Hotel, said: “This funding will allow us to accelerate our plans, providing an unforgettable culinary experience in the Highlands.”
An awards ceremony was held at Horizon Scotland’s business and innovation centre, in Forres, last Thursday, March 6.
Scottish Edge is Scotland’s largest business funding competition, offering grants and loans to support the growth of start-ups, social enterprises, or charities.
Regional Edge is a new pilot award across four regions and is being run in the north in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
There were 12 shortlisted finalists, with the top prize of £50,000 prize going to Rescue Winch Ltd, a revolutionary paddle sport safety equipment company.
Outdoor sauna company Haar Sauna won £15,000, as did Crofter’s Kitchen, and Thistle and Cloth and Highland Domes took home £10,000 for hand-stitched kilts and geodesic structures, respectively.
Caroline Maclellan, senior innovation manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said: “Regional EDGE showcases the incredible innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our region. It offers ambitious entrepreneurs the crucial funding and support needed to bring their visions to life.”
