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The Herald Scotland
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New coffee roastery launches on remote Scottish peninsula
Located on the Applecross Peninsula – one of the most scenic stretches of the North Coast 500 – the micro-roastery will supply roasted beans to local cafés, restaurants, and shops starting this month. The new venture has already secured wholesale partnerships with the Michelin Guide-recommended Walled Garden restaurant, Applecross Campsite, Applecross Bothy, and the Applecross Inn. Retail bags will also be available at A&J Brown Grocers, with additional partnerships in the works. READ MORE: Mr Davidson moved to Applecross in 2018 and discovered his passion for coffee during the Covid pandemic. With more time on his hands, he began taste testing beans from around the world and learning the roasting process. After completing a training course at the Scottish Barista Academy in 2023, he is now in the process of transforming part of the commercial kitchen at Applecross Campsite – where he also works – into a fully functioning roastery. To support the launch of the business, David has secured a £3,500 loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, helping cover the costs of initial stock and equipment. Sourcing its beans from ethical importers Covoya, the roastery focuses on high-quality, sustainable coffee from countries including Colombia, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Mr Davidson has also teamed up with local creative Valerie Hodgkinson, co-owner of Applecross Croft, to design the brand's logo and visual identity. He said: 'What started as a hobby during the pandemic quickly turned into something I was really passionate about. Starting the business has been a great learning experience, and the support from DSL Business Finance with my business plan and cash flow forecasts has been invaluable. In the next five years, I hope Applecross Roastery becomes a staple in the area, supplying premium coffee across the peninsula and beyond. Supporting local businesses is more important than ever, and I'm grateful to be part of such a welcoming community.' Looking ahead, Mr Davidson hopes to expand the business by growing his customer base along the North Coast 500, introducing more visitors to the flavours of Applecross. Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided more than £4.4m to start ups in the Highland local authority area. Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'David's shift from hobbyist to entrepreneur is a brilliant example of how smaller businesses can start from humble beginnings and go on to have a big impact on rural communities. Applecross Roastery not only introduced a new supply chain to the area but also helps support other businesses, boosting the local economy. We're pleased to support David and look forward to seeing his business grow.'
Scotsman
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Dramatic stretch of famed North Coast 500 route gains unique coffee roastery
'What started as a hobby during the pandemic quickly turned into something I was really passionate about' – David Davidson, founder Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A micro coffee roastery has been set up on one of the most scenic stretches of the iconic North Coast 500 route. David Davidson, founder of Applecross Roastery, is bringing specialty coffee to the northwest Highlands after turning his lockdown hobby into a fully-fledged business venture. Located on the Applecross peninsula, accessed by the dramatic Pass of the Cattle road, the new roastery will supply roasted beans to local cafés, restaurants and shops. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The venture has already secured wholesale partnerships with the Michelin Guide-recommended Walled Garden restaurant, Applecross Campsite, Applecross Bothy and the Applecross Inn. Retail bags will also be available at A&J Brown Grocers, with additional partnerships said to be in the works. David Davidson, founder of Applecross Roastery. Davidson moved to the area in 2018 and discovered his passion for coffee during the pandemic. With more time on his hands, he began taste testing beans from around the world while learning the roasting process. After completing a training course at the Scottish Barista Academy in 2023, he is now in the process of transforming part of the commercial kitchen at Applecross Campsite - where he also works - into a fully functioning roastery. To support the launch of the business, Davidson has secured funding from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, helping cover the costs of initial stock and equipment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Davidson said: 'What started as a hobby during the pandemic quickly turned into something I was really passionate about. Starting the business has been a great learning experience, and the support from DSL Business Finance with my business plan and cash flow forecasts has been invaluable. 'In the next five years, I hope Applecross Roastery becomes a staple in the area, supplying premium coffee across the peninsula and beyond. Supporting local businesses is more important than ever, and I'm grateful to be part of such a welcoming community.' The roastery is focusing on high-quality, sustainable coffee from countries such as Colombia, Rwanda and Tanzania - sourcing its beans from ethical importer Covoya. Davidson has also teamed up with local creative Valerie Hodgkinson, co-owner of Applecross Croft, to design the brand's logo and visual identity. Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided more than £4.4 million to fledgling businesses in the Highlands area. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'David's shift from hobbyist to entrepreneur is a brilliant example of how smaller businesses can start from humble beginnings and go on to have a big impact on rural communities. 'Applecross Roastery not only introduced a new supply chain to the area but also helped support other businesses, boosting the local economy. We're pleased to support David and look forward to seeing his business grow.'
The Herald Scotland
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Island's first speciality coffee house to open new roastery
A loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, along with funding support from Business Gateway and the SJ Noble Trust, helped cover the renovation costs, including fitting upgraded windows and doors. A new multi-purpose workshop will house the coffee roastery, which will use a cutting-edge, eco-friendly Aillio Bullet micro-electric roaster to create in-house signature coffee blends. The space will also serve as a venue for events, workshops, and classes, building on the café's role as a community hub. READ MORE: Food and drink veteran unveils plans for growth at Scottish ethical coffee firm Appeal bid for 'coffee stops' on Scotland-England border rejected Don't be a sheep when it comes to chains like Blank Street Coffee Once completed this summer, the new space will triple seating capacity from eight to 24, offering outdoor seating where customers can relax in the sun-trapped private courtyard. Mhairi Mackenzie said: 'The aim is to create a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and enjoy great coffee. Securing funding to support the expansion plans is an exciting step forward, not just for our business, but for the whole community. Mhairi Mackenzie with coffee roaster (Image: Supplied) "We're proud to collaborate with local suppliers through the Bute Kitchen initiative, which helps support the island's economic regeneration by promoting local produce. Our menu features baked goods from nearby bakers, smoked trout and cheeses from Isle of Bute Smoke House, and chutneys and preserves from Gather Deli and Bute Produce. 'Sustainability and high social and environmental standards are very important to us, and we're working towards achieving B Corp certification for the café in the near future to reflect these values. Being the first on the island to roast our own coffee is something we're really excited about, and we can't wait to hear feedback from our lovely customers.' Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'It's fantastic to see Isle of Bute Coffee expanding its offering and creating even more opportunities for locals and tourists to connect, while enjoying the island's vibrant community spirit. Mhairi's dedication to supporting the area shines through in everything she does. This is a brilliant example of how the Start Up Loans programme can empower smaller businesses to thrive and make a real difference to the local economy.'
