Caithness to get first vegan B&B
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A BED and breakfast with a difference is to be launched in Caithness next month.
Barbara and Peter Gray, who live in Berriedale, will be opening what is thought to be the first vegan B&B in the far north and the venture is already attracting interest online from people throughout the UK.
The couple moved to Caithness in September after purchasing a property in the village.
They come from Derbyshire but spent some time in Lincolnshire before moving to Golspie and then to Caithness.
They say they both like the Highlands and wanted to set up a vegan bed and breakfast here.
Barbara explained: “We saw the property at The Braes in Berriedale was up for sale last summer, put in an offer and it was accepted.
“At present, we have a king size double en suite room but would hope to expand and have two to three rooms later.
“As far as I know we are the only vegan B&B in Caithness. I think the nearest one to us may be in Aviemore.
“For a long time we have wanted to provide luxury accommodation and cooking for vegans but we will also show people how to cook vegan meals and may do workshops on an ad hoc basis as well as hosting special functions for events such as Valentines Day and Burns Nights.
“We will be open for business in March but are already getting interest online from people in the UK and hope eventually to generate interest in Europe and the USA.”
Asked what would happen if someone who is not a vegan wanted to stay at the B&B, she replied: “They would have to take vegan food as we do not have animal products on the premises.
“We live a vegan lifestyle and would prefer vegans to stay here but they don’t have to be vegans.”
Her husband Peter helps run the business but is also a writer.
He has been writing for many years but in 2012 started work on a series of crime fiction books whose main character is Detective Inspector James Avalon. The police officer is based in Inverness but travels throughout the Highlands.
“We were coming up here quite a bit and loved the place and so decided to set up a B&B for vegans. So far the feedback has been positive and we are starting to get bookings,” added Barbara.
