Couple’s cafe plan for visitor centre
The NTS visitor centre at Killiecrankie is to be given a new lease of life as a cafe.
Enterprising couple Sally Judd and Davie Mckenzie have successfully obtained the lease for the disused building to run it as a family-friendly cafe, deli and gift shop.
In November, the National Trust for Scotland agreed to offer the building by the popular visitor site of Soldiers Leap, to a tenant with the aim of it reopening as a cafe or shop.
“I take great pleasure in confirming that we were successful with our proposal to take on the lease of Killiecrankie Visitor Centre,” said Food in the Park joint owner Sally.
“We’re very excited at the opportunity and we look forward very much to working closely with the NTS, the local community and all involved to make the centre a vibrant hub once again.
“Our plans are to put a cafe/ restaurant inside the centre alongside a retail area for gifts, souvenirs, homewares, logs, charcoal, maps and natural history items. And hopefully a deli for local produce.
“We plan to provide a central hub for information for locals and visitors on the surrounding area via large screen TVs and also offer boot/ bike washing facilities.”
Sally, who along with Davie has experience of running catering businesses in Blair Atholl, went on to promise once the danger of coronavirus had sufficiently receded, that the food base would offer events both inside and out.
“We already have a couple of authors interested in doing some talks,” she said.
“We will be running our own events and seasonal festivals but also want to work closely with local groups and event-runners, especially those with local historical links (Soldiers of Killiecrankie, for couple Sally Judd and Davie Mckenzie example).
“We will be family-focussed and will provide facilities for people to use and enjoy with their children and dogs both inside and outside, making the most of the gorgeous immediate surrounding area.”
Sally pointed to plans for a wooden play area, nature hubs, birdwatching platforms, even fairy/ elf treasure hunts.
She assured local residents that she and her partner had the experience and professionalism for the project to succeed and “hopefully help ensure Killiecrankie Visitor Centre is a buzzing place again.
“We own and successfully run Food in the Park restaurant and takeaway plus Food in the Park Live, our live music and events venue,” Sally added.
“We also run The Tulach restaurant at Blair Atholl Golf Club.
“Killiecrankie Visitor Centre will be run with the same ethos as our other establishments; family orientated, relaxing and friendly with a community spirit.”