Community café gets £1000 boost after refurbishment of Thurso shop
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A major refurbishment at a family-run convenience store in Thurso has proved popular with customers – as well as benefiting a community enterprise.
D&M Fraser in Castlegreen Road was closed for three-and-a-half weeks for the refit.
At the grand opening of the new-look shop, a £1000 cheque was presented to Thurso Community Café for the work it does in providing a warm space and food for those in need, especially during the colder months.
The ribbon was cut by the store manager of 40 years, Scott Macdonald, along with Marigold Durrand, who was Margaret and Douglas Fraser's first new employee when they bought the business in 1980.
Their daughter Lesley Mill, a director, has been in the business since 2013.
"The last refurbishment was in 2006 and we felt it was time to reinvest and improve what we have to offer," Lesley explained.
"We had shopfitting company Vertex supporting us with the refurbishment and although we were closed the D&M Fraser team were working hard in the background, with some staying on until midnight a few nights to help us get the shop ready for opening on time.
"We have been delighted at the comments from customers. The new hot food offerings, Skwishee slushy and the patisserie cabinet have been hugely successful.
"We also have a beer cave which is one of the first in our area.
"We continue to support local suppliers. There are over 20 local suppliers available in the shop and we pride ourselves on the team we have working with us and the great relationships we have with our local suppliers and customers.
"Earlier in the year we donated £1000 to Thurso Community Café so we felt the grand opening was perfect timing for Ann Brock from the café to join us so that we could present the cheque.
"For the opening day we had a variety of cakes and deals supplied by Reids of Caithness, MacDonald's Home Bakery in Wick and Eats and Treats of Thurso.
"We also had free goody bags for over 150 customers, a sticker and sweetie table for the children, free coffee from the Smokin’ Bean machine all day and samples of Country Choice sausage rolls and cookies.
"Over the weekend we held a raffle for a £100 voucher for the shop and it was won by Barbara Trueman."
Thurso Community Café describes itself as "a café with a difference", seeking to help those at risk of isolation or social disadvantage.
