New shop, deli and ‘boutique’ guesthouse opens close to Western Isles ferry terminal
“Ultimately, we want Nook & Scranny to be a welcoming place for everyone” – Laura Burt, co-founder
A new venture combining a convenience shop, deli and guesthouse is poised to open close to a key Western Isles ferry terminal.
Nook & Scranny, founded by Laura Burt and Graham Kay, occupies a prime spot directly opposite the Isle of Harris Gin Distillery in the island village of Tarbert. The business will bring together essential local services with a “modern food offering and boutique accommodation”, creating a hub for residents and visitors alike.
Burt, who is a chef by trade, and Kay acquired the building last July. Previously a newsagent that had served the community for 35 years, the premises have been fully operational from day one.
The couple recently secured a five-figure loan from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme via Virgin StartUp, which helped fund renovations and a new kitchen for the deli.
The upstairs guesthouse features three rooms for up to six guests, offering both short and longer-stay options. The deli will offer freshly prepared sandwiches, take-home meals such as buddha bowls, pastries, breads, and homemade ice cream.
The venture is already making its mark at local events and is set to cater the HebCelt music festival in Stornoway this July. The couple are said to bring extensive experience from their West Highland Way deli, Turnip the Beet, which has operated for ten years and catered at major events, including backstage for artists at TRNSMT.
With the official launch this month, Burt and Kay hope that Nook & Scranny will become a “go-to destination” in the area.
Burt said: “We hadn’t planned to take on a new business so quickly, but when the building came on the market, it felt like the right opportunity. We’ve been working around the clock to renovate the premises and fit the deli kitchen.
“Our goal is to keep the shop reliable for locals, offer a wide range of healthy food through the deli, and provide flexible stay options so more people can enjoy everything Harris has to offer. Ultimately, we want Nook & Scranny to be a welcoming place for everyone.”
Since launching in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided some £1.5 million of funding to businesses in Argyll and Bute. On average, each business owner has received £10,821 as well as being offered support in areas such as marketing, business development, and business plan writing.
Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “Laura and Graham have taken a long-standing local shop and turned it into a multi-faceted business with huge potential.
“This is exactly the kind of business that strengthens both the local economy and tourism. We’re proud the Start Up Loans programme could play a role in bringing their vision to life.”
Diana Greenhalgh, operations lead at Virgin StartUp, added: “It’s great to see Nook & Scranny going from strength to strength and we’re proud to have supported Laura and Graham on their journey.
“The positive impact they’re already having within their community shows how businesses like this play an important role in supporting local economies and bringing people together.”
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