New Ortak jewellery shop in John O'Groats creates seven jobs
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Seven jobs have been created in Caithness with the opening of a jewellery shop in John O'Groats. Two full-time and five part-time employees have been recruited by Ortak to run the retail outlet which is situated in the craft centre area of the village.
Director Alison Firth, who comes from Castletown and has been involved in the Orkney-based business for eight years, said she was keen to expand the business to Caithness.
She said: "We recruited seven staff to run the shop at John O' Groats and will be open seven days a week over the summer months. We have just opened and have been encouraged by the visitors and locals we are seeing. Being from Caithness, I always wanted to have a shop here as well as the one in Kirkwall. Things are opening up again and there are a lot of visitors on the go so when premises became available we jumped at the opportunity."
The building was secured in September last year but because of the coronavirus restrictions has only opened.
Mrs Firth explained that the jewellery is made at the firm's workshop in Kirkwall but pointed out that she is sourcing several Caithness-made products, such as giftware for the shop.
"We are seeing vistors and locals coming in and have been encouraged by the start we have made at John O' Groats. I would hope we will be successful and provide another place for locals and visitors to go for jewellery and gifts," she added.
Mrs Firth acquired the Ortak name and historic designs in 2013 when the previous business ceased trading and has built it up by "taking it back to its roots." Business is also done online.
During the lockdown the Kirkwall workshop was closed and was turned into a site for grocery deliveries while the shop is being renovated and is due to open up again next week.
The Orkney business employs a total of 24 staff between its workshop and shop, taking the total number of employees to 31.
Ortak makes gold and silver jewellery in a range of contemporary and classic designs. The company also uses hot glass enamel in its wide range of jewellery and provides a bespoke design service.
And what about the name? The Or is for Orkney. Tak is the Norse for Thank You.
