Ullapool Oak and Grain pizza van makes bid to transform derelict village eyesore
An Ullapool pizza van operation is proposing to take over the former Costcutter building — which has been derelict for over 11 years.
The former Costcutter building, on 26 West Argyle Street, has been in need of a face-lift for many years, despite local community groups doing their best to brighten up the empty 1970s-era shop with colourful artwork in the windows.
Now a much-loved Ullapool pizza van, Oak and Grain, is proposing to take over the empty premises and transform it into a wood-fired pizza takeaway with internal seating. Established in March 2022, Oak and Grain quickly became a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
The planning application submitted to the Highland Council states: “The unit was formerly a Costcutter Supermarket, but has been vacant for 12 years. During this period the unit has become somewhat dilapidated and is now a cause for concern for the local community.
“This change of use is intended to create a restaurant with takeaway facilities serving artisanal pizza. This will form a substantial investment in the repair and upgrading of the existing building, in forming a new retail space and as a source of employment for the village.”
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The planning application went on to explain that the proposal would see new shopfront windows, the replacement of existing single glazed windows and the replacement of the existing entrance doors.
In a Facebook announcement on September 19, Oak and Grain hinted at having new plans in the pipeline, as they said goodbye to the pizza van. They said: “After 2.5 years of the pizza van, the time has come for it to leave Ullapool and make an exciting journey to its new home.
“Although the pizza van is leaving, you’ve not seen the last of Oak and Grain. Watch this space.”
The planning application is currently under consultation with the Highland Council.
