Kingussie bakery takes the cake for charity - or rather, gives it away!
A Badenoch dessert shop with a sweet spot for tradition and community spirit is celebrating National Vanilla Custard Day with a deliciously ambitious giveaway.
Paper Shop Desserts & Co, based in the heart of Kingussie, will cook up more than 250 free vanilla slices across Saturday and Sunday this week — more than doubling last year’s gesture.
The family shop originally opened in August 2024 as The Paper Shop Bakery. After months of frustrating delays in planning approval, the business faced a rocky start. But in spring this year the shop was relaunched with a new name and a bold new energy, says Jenni Weaver.
“Last year we gave away 100 vanilla slices and the feedback was incredible,” she said. “This year, we decided to go big or go home — so we’re aiming for 250!
“We’re asking for nothing in return — we just want to make people happy.”
The team have previously shared openly about mental health and positivity on their social media platforms. They also welcome the Badenoch Men’s Shed charity every other Wednesday for a “coffee and a blether” — helping reduce isolation and support wellbeing among local men.
The vanilla slices at Desserts & Co have earned something of a cult following.
To pull off this year’s custard celebration, the team will be whisking up 30kg of custard, baking over 350 square metres of puff pastry, and using 10kg of icing.
“It is one vanilla slice per person collecting,” said Jenni, “except for our loyal subscribers who will be able to reserve up to two slices via our newsletter — but we're sure there will be at least 250 local fans out there."
To support the event, Paper Shop Desserts & Co are still seeking a local sponsor who wants to contribute to the shop’s efforts for the community - not least the men’s shed which has found the place absolutely invaluable.
Any Highland business keen to support a young entrepreneur and a growing local brand, contact the team via their social media channels or by email at papershopdessertsandco@outlook.com