Latest news with #VeganBayBaker
Daily Record
03-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scots baker's widow 'overwhelmed' as fundraiser for family hits over £20,000
Steven Buchan, who owned Vegan Bay Bakery, sadly died at the age of 33 The partner of an award-winning Scottish bakery owner has expressed her gratitude after more than £20,000 was raised for her family. Steven Buchan sadly died at the age of 33, with his wife Zoe Buchan announcing the news of his sudden death on social media earlier this week. He had been the owner of Vegan Bay Bakery in Aberdeen, which was launched in 2019. As reported in Aberdeen Live, it went to open shops in Balmedie and Peterhead. However, it has ceased trading following his unexpected death, with Zoe launching a JustGiving page on behalf of her family and their three children, Lilly, Phoebe and Paddy. She says the page has also been launched to give Steven the "funeral he deserves", with an outpouring of support seeing thousands donated to the Buchan family. In a post on the JustGiving page, Zoe said: "I lost my beautiful husband Steve suddenly and unexpectedly this week. As most of you will know he was the Vegan Bay Baker. "He leaves behind myself and our three beautiful children. I am hoping to raise enough money to give him the funeral he deserves and to have for our children. "I am so overwhelmed by all the offers of support and help, all the lovely messages I've had, I really appreciate everyone who has been so kind, sharing stories of him, how wonderful he was, he was the best daddy to our kids and husband to me. We already miss him so much x." Tributes flooded in online from friends, customers, and fellow businesses after it was announced that Steven had passed away. A post on the Vegan Bay Baker Facebook page received hundreds of comments of condolence within the hours after it was displayed online.
Scottish Sun
30-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Boss of much-loved Scots bakery dies suddenly as heartbroken wife pays tribute to ‘soul mate'
'BEACON OF LIGHT' Boss of much-loved Scots bakery dies suddenly as heartbroken wife pays tribute to 'soul mate' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE boss of a much-loved Scots bakery has died suddenly leaving his wife "broken". Steven Buchan, who launched Vegan Bay Baker alongside partner Zoe, passed away unexpectedly this week. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Vegan Bay Baker founder Steven Buchan has died aged 33 Credit: Vegan Bay Bakery 2 His devastated wife Zoe shared the tragic news on social media Credit: Vegan Bay Bakery Tributes have flooded in for the 33-year-old, described as an "inspiration" and "beacon of light". The dad-of-three founded his bakery in 2019 and later opened three branches in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Balmedie. Vegan Bay Baker ceased trading immediately following Steve's death. Sharing the tragic news on social media, devastated Zoe Buchan wrote: "I am deeply saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected death of my beautiful husband, Steven. "As you all know, Steve was the Vegan Bay Baker. Following his death, our business has ceased trading. "I ask you all to keep us in your thoughts as we go through this, myself, our children and his mum and dad. It's pain I've never felt before, and I am broken. "Steve leaves behind myself, and his three beautiful children Lilly, Phoebe and Paddy. I am asking for some privacy at this time, and for people to please respect that. "I will share funeral details in due course." She continued: "I am absolutely broken, Steven was my entire world, we started this business together in our home and I know so many of you adored him. 'He really did bring so much light into our lives. Chart-topping Scots DJ dies suddenly as devastated music stars pay tributes "We already miss him so much. "I love you so much, Steve. 15 years we've been together, my soul mate, my best friend, my whole world." Tributes flooded in online from friends, customers and fellow businesses following the tragic news. One person wrote: "Heartbreaking to read this. Steve was an inspiration, always smiling and happy, but such a hard worker too. He was the best baker EVER." Another said: "I am so sorry to read this. Steve was a beacon of light every time that I had the absolute pleasure of working with him. My heart breaks for you all. Sending you love and strength for the weeks and months that lie ahead." A third added: "So sorry for your loss! He was such a friendly, smiley guy. He also brought our family great happiness with his delicious vegan bakes." A fourth put: "So sorry for your loss, Steven was a wonderful man and boss. My thoughts and my family's thoughts are all with you, RIP Stephen. Fly with the angels and dance with the stars, you will be sorely missed." A fifth added: "Sending hugs to the VBB family, so sorry for your loss! Steve's creations were one of my favourite things about living in Aberdeen. May he rest in peace."
Press and Journal
10-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Castlegate traders send 'open for business' message as they look forward to bright future after major revamp
Walking through the sections of fencing and glancing down at the crunched-up slabs, Castlegate might look a little off-putting at the moment. But traders at the historic Aberdeen plaza are more than willing to put up with a bit of disruption – as they send out a clear 'open for business' message ahead of major works to breathe new life into the area. We visited the square to chat with traders there as early investigation work for the revamp takes place. It's being done to avoid the same delay disasters that have hampered costly improvements nearby on Union Street – and will run until May 23. This area of Aberdeen is home to the UK's oldest and Aberdeen's longest established Italian restaurant, La Lombarda. The business has been in the family for over 100 years. I make it my first stop. Owner Chantal Necchi, is eager to spread the word that, despite the work, trade continues as normal. She is delighted to see the project take shape, and 'really looking forward' to the rejuvenation of the area. The 51-year-old is especially excited at the thought of thousands of Tall Ships fans sailing by this summer. Sitting at a table in the venue, she tells me: 'If this saves them time in the long run then its good for us. 'It's actually good they are doing what they are doing right now if it stops the delays they have had on Union Street. I see why they are doing it. 'As a business owner here we know we are going to go through a lot of uncertain times with construction and everything in front of us. 'But it's all for the benefit of the city – we just need to be patient to get there.' Chantal says she loves working in Castlegate and is 'proud' of the area. She is also looking forward to the Tall Ships event this summer, chuffed that Castlegate is 'at the heart of it'. Tom Simmonds, who works for the Aberdeen business too, hopes a 'more attractive' Castlegate will draw extra people into the area. The 49-year-old adds: 'We accept that work like this needs to be done so that after the Tall Ships leave, the full development of the Castlegate can happen quicker. 'And that's great!' Just on the other side of the square, sits the Vegan Bay Baker. Shop manager Chris Shuttleworth is standing over an array of dairy-free cakes, pastries and doughnuts as he welcomes me with a smile. He has worked at at the store since it first opened up over two years ago. So what does he think of the Castlegate works? Chris, who also lives on the Castlegate itself, says he's all for anything that will shine a more positive light on this historic part of Aberdeen. 'It has a reputation of having drinkers outside and I don't think it deserves that reputation, but it is a thing,' he explains. And he believes that any developments that can help to steer away from this reputation can only be a 'good thing'. 'It's a good little spot and I don't think people realise how much is going on down here.' I head down onto Castle Street to visit one shopkeeper who has more mixed emotions. Businessman Calum Rattray, who owns antique shop Castlegate Collectibles, is less upbeat. He tells me that the previous day he had 'taken in no money', pointing the finger of blame at the investigatory works. Calum, who has run his antique shop for about seven years, says it is 'disheartening' when he doesn't get any customers. But despite his worries, he wants people to be able to once again enjoy the scenery and rich history of Castlegate and welcomes improvements that will help to make this possible.
