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Coffee Bothy in Contin set to continue welcoming customers under new owners as existing operators prepare new venture with The Ledge climbing centre planned for Highland capital


By Val Sweeney

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Drew and Rachel Hardiman, owners of the Coffee Bothy in Contin are to open a new venture at The Ledge climbing centre.
Drew and Rachel Hardiman, owners of the Coffee Bothy in Contin are to open a new venture at The Ledge climbing centre.

A ROSS-SHIRE coffee shop is set to continue welcoming customers under new owners.

Drew and Rachel Hardiman, will leave the Coffee Bothy in Contin, later this summer in preparation for the opening of their new venture, Raven's Rock cafe and community hub, at The Ledge climbing centre opening in Inverness later this year.

But talks are taking place for new tenants to take over – with the offer of learning how to make the Coffee Bothy's renowned sausage rolls.

An announcement is expected to be made in the next few weeks.

The couple opened their coffee shop two-and-a-half years ago and brought life back into the 500-year-old building as a community hub, hosting events such as live music, markets, Gaelic classes and the Contin Book Club.

It was the first time the building – previously a computer shop and then a gift shop - had been used as a cafe.

After working to get the premises ready, the couple had a soft opening in December 2019 but within weeks, the coronavirus pandemic struck and they found themselves adapting to new regulations.

"The community were really supportive," Ms Hardiman said.

Although they will be sad to leave, they are excited at the prospect of opening Raven's Rock at The Ledge which is set to become Scotland’s national bouldering centre of excellence and will also include climbing walls, yoga and gym space.

It is being developed in a former furniture store at the Telford Retail Park.

"It will be emotional to leave," Ms Hardiman said. "But we are excited at the prospect of going to the The Ledge.

"It will be a completely different set up."

Ms Hardiman, who is also owner of the Astar School of Traditional Music, Gaelic and Highland Culture, says the establishment will operate in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and plans to hold regular events in the cafe including music, art exhibitions, dances, open mic nights, film nights, and other events which the local community can enjoy.

Related: Only way is up for Coffee Bothy owners with climbing centre venture


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