Alness family reveals plans to bring all its businesses under one roof at Dalmore Farm to create shopping and cafe venture
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AN Alness farming family is looking to reaffirm its commitment to the Easter Ross town by bringing four businesses under one roof at a major new shopping and café venture.
Carolyn Wilson and daughters Katie Christie and Jennie Wilson want permission to build a brand new premises at the family’s Dalmore Farm, less than a mile from the town centre.
In what is described as a “massive financial investment”, the family would, if successful, relocate four existing High Street outlets to the custom-built premises by May next year.
While the move would leave vacant shop units in the town centre, the family hopes to create at least eight new jobs and secure the long-term viability of the business in difficult economic times.
There is also expansion potential given the proximity to Dalmore Distillery, the A9 and passing traffic from the North Coast 500 tourist trail.
Mrs Christie’s great-grandfather first moved from Caithness to buy the farm in the 1940s.
Mrs Wilson opened a small farm shop there in 1988, with expansion into four current High Street outlets: Victoriana Florists, Victoriana Clothes, The Shoe Room and The Larder.
The latest step would see the family complete the circle and return to the farm 33 years later.
A detailed planning application was lodged with Highland Council on Wednesday last week.
Mrs Christie (37), sister Jennie Wilson (35) and their mum are excited by the project’s potential.
She said: “Almost everything we currently do will be brought together as a new business under one roof, presented in a beautiful new building with landscaped grounds and outdoor areas.
“It is a massive financial investment and long-term commitment, but we are absolutely sure we are doing the right thing for the future.
“Everything surrounding the new building is exciting for us, including being able to offer new job opportunities.
“During such uncertain times for all businesses, this new project will provide a sustainable future for our family and staff moving forward.”
The new building would see the family business come the full circle 33 years after Mrs Wilson first set up a small shop in a station hut at Dalmore Farm in 1988.
The farm is now managed by her son David (32).
Mrs Christie said: “Mum started the farm shop when Jennie and I were just three and five years old.
“She worked so hard and saw the business grow from strength to strength before Jennie and I joined 17 or 18 years ago.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback locally for what we hope will be a really exciting development for people in the town
“It’s a 15-minute walk from the High Street so we’re not moving far and it is on the edge of our farm, so it’s a really lovely location.
“Many people have fond memories of time spent at Dalmore Farm in years gone by.
“We want to honour the history of the farm, our location and our five generations by ensuring this new building looks and feels really great.”
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