Aviemore hit by store closures
Concerns have been raised for the future of Aviemore’s high street with three businesses shutting in quick succession with the expected loss of around 20 jobs.
Frasers, the only dedicated butchers’ in the village, has already closed after around 12 years with the loss of eight staff members.
Meanwhile the nearby Bridgemill Direct clothing store is to close although the landlord has revealed the premises’ lease is to be taken on by a "national operator".
It is also believed that the Spice of India restaurant at the railway square has shut down although there was no official confirmation from the owners yesterday (Tuesday).
Frasers’ owner Fraser MacKinnon said in a statement to the "Strathy" that he had very reluctantly taken the decision to close his store – also including a deli – having "agonised over this decision for months".
He said: "I firmly believe that this is the only action I could have taken to safeguard payment to my debtors.
Mr MacKinnon said at the start of the year he had put all his savings into a new venture in ready meals and prepacked meats offering special deals aimed at budget conscious customer but it had not worked out
He added: "I can assure you it’s been a gut-wrenching experience but at least I can say I have done what is right in doing unto others what I would have done unto myself."
No-one could be contacted at Bridgemil Direct’s head office in Nairn but the shop had signs in the window saying: ‘Closing down sale due to lease end, up to 70% off’.
Aviemore businessman David Cameron, who owns the unit, said yesterday, however: "They are not closing down, they have sold their lease to a national operator. I cannot dictate what they put on their window."
Attempts to contact the owner of the Spice of India also proved unsuccessful but it is understood it too is closing.
The premises has also hosted the Station Cafe in the morning but that business is moving to the Tea Garden at Rothiemurchus from Friday (November 18).
Mr Alex Burns-Smith, Chairman of Aviemore Business Association, said: "It’s disappointing to see two shops and a restaurant closing down overnight in Aviemore.
"It doesn’t look good for the High Street at this time of year."
For more on this story see today's Strathy.
