Ross-shire business idea born out of family tragedy during coronavirus crisis; Tweedy Pie in Fortrose on Black Isle will honour memory of much-loved man
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A TAKEAWAY cake and craft business has been born out of love and hope after a family tragedy.
Julie Mackay (50) is opening up Tweedy Pie in Fortrose, after the lockdown ends, not only to serve the community a mix of delicious pies and sandwiches alongside local crafts.
But it will also serve as a reminder that out of loss great things can still happen.
In 2020 Miss Mackay's family lost their grandad, and friend, Bill Nicholson, aged 88 to Covid, and it is to his memory the business is named, and his love of good food has inspired the new venture.
In a year like no other, even Miss Mackay's daughter, Georgie will be one of the craftswomen involved, after she started a successful candle business - aged only 10. Her mum Susan Mackay has also been pitching in to help get the business up and running.
Miss Mackay explains: "We heard that Harry Gows was up for sale and hoped to open a business and we live in the Black Isle.
"I have been making crafts for a number of years - making things with Harris Tweed like light shades and other items, and then my 10-year-old daughter Georgie started very successfully making candles for sale."
Georgie, has been selling candles, and donating money from the sales to her primary school at Avoch and to Black Isle Cares.
When they saw the premises occupied by Harry Gow up for sale "we thought why not keep it as a takeaway business because there is already a client group and it was always busy", she said.
She added: "We found amazing pies that we wanted to sell that are from the Borders in Scotland, and come in a wonderful range of fillings that we enjoy, and we know other people will enjoy them as well."
As well as showing off the best of local crafts from people all over the Highlands, the shop will sell take away food, such as fresh sandwiches, juices and smoothies as well as hot drinks.
She continued: "The response has been great from everyone on the Black Isle."
Speaking of her family's loss, Miss Mackay said thing were tough for anyone who has lost a loved one to Covid.
"It all seems fairly surreal," she said. "We have not been able to have a memorial for grandad and we miss him every single day.
"But he would have been over the moon about us opening up the business and doing something to carry on."
She added: "Soon, especially with the vaccine we will all be able to get about a bit more. Tweedy Pie is giving me the hope that it will all be opened back up soon and we will have so much to look forward to."
After the lockdown Tweedy Pie can be found at 37 High Street, Fortrose but in the meantime, Miss Mackay has come up with some special treats for customers that can be found by following the Black Isle Notice Board on Facebook, or by contacting Julie Mackay on the social media site.
