New Shiskine tearoom given green light

A proposal for a new tearoom to be built in Shiskine has been given the go-ahead by planners, writes Hugh Boag.

The proposal is to erect a simple traditional new building to house the tearoom comprising a seating area, toilets, a serving area and kitchen. Ancillary to this will be an outside seating area, children’s play area and parking for cars, bicycles and horses.

The tearoom is being proposed by Ms Katie Webster, who has run the Machrie Bay Tea Room for four years, and will be built on a site to the north of the village, adjacent to the String Road, in the corner of what is presently a grazing field south east of Inglewood.

An online survey was undertaken in the village in May last year which welcomed the tearoom plan, with the majority of the comments stating there is presently nowhere in Shiskine to go to gather socially and therefore the proposal would be good for the community.

Many also commented that it would reduce the need to drive to meet up. There was also mention of increased employment opportunities and as a place for young people to meet socially and independently.

The application has been approved by North Ayrshire Council planning officials subject to a number of conditions being met.