Family celebrates new Bute business
A Syrian family who moved to Bute two years ago have realised their dream of opening a bakery business.
Following the official opening recently, Helmi’s Patisserie has been going down a storm with locals.
Within two hours of official trading, Mohamed and Bashar were sold out of their sought-after homemade treats and queues continued into the weekend.
Brendan O’Hara MP and Angela Constance MSP and Scottish Government communities secretary visited Rothesay’s newest hotspot at the weekend.
Mr O’Hara said: ‘Two years ago I was invited to join Bashar Helmi, his family and other members of the Syrian community on Bute for a traditional Syrian meal. During the meal we talked about their past experiences as well as their future plans.
‘Bashar talked about his son-in-law Mohamed – a celebrated pastry chef – and showed amazing photographs of his creations. Bashar’s overwhelming desire was to be reunited with his daughter, son-in-law and his granddaughter and for them, one day, to open a bakery on Bute.
‘I am delighted for Bashar, Mohamed and their family on their fantastic new business venture and I wish them every success. The recent success stories of Helmi’s Patisserie and the Orient Salon on Bute shows what a positive difference immigration makes to Scotland. It’s not about where you come from, it’s about where we’re going together and I think the recent success here in Rothesay shows just that.’