Polish confectioner Wieslaw Ostrowski and partner Janice Downie are behind a plan to create a Polish delicatessen in Elgin.

Mr Ostrowski (42) and Ms Downie (48), from Portknockie, aim to tap into the growing Polish population in Moray, with latest estimates suggesting that there are now 2,500 Poles in the district.

Polish delis have been opening all over Scotland to cater for the large influx of Polish nationals into the country.

The couple will sell a range of traditional Polish food and drinks, such as bread, cheese, cakes, soup, confectionery, beer and vodka, as well as Polish greeting cards.

Mr Ostrowski arrived in Moray two years ago to carve out a better future for himself, and he loves life in Moray.

"The people of Moray are very friendly, and the Portknockie people have made me very welcome," he said. His mother and brother still live in Poland, and he also has a sister in Germany.

For Mr Ostrowski, a trained confectioner, coming to Moray has opened up a world of opportunity compared to his homeland, where shop workers earn on average around £150 a month.

"We have had a lot of Polish people asking when we are opening," added Ms Downie, who is planning a themed 'come and try' day to mark their opening towards the end of the month.

The couple have taken over the lease of the former Xanadu fashion shop in Commerce Street, which has relocated to South Street.

"We had the idea last year, and then we decided to go for it and get in there first before anyone else," she said.

Wieslaw Ostrowski and Janice Downie are aiming to cater for Moray's untapped Polish market. NS

Their bread will be supplied daily from a new Polish bakery in Alness, and their other products will be sourced from a London-based supplier importing items from Poland.

Miss Downie believes the business could also prove popular with local residents who are keen to sample traditional foods from Poland.

She said the Polish people have made a big difference to the Moray economy, and the influx is set to continue.

"They are really hard workers, and an awful lot of them are realising they like the area and are putting down roots. They are really warm people and very family-orientated."

Mr Ostrowski will run the shop, with help at weekends from Ms Downie and her 15-year-old daughter, Robyn.

Meanwhile, a meeting is being held this Sunday to discuss the possible formation of a Moray Polish Scottish Association.

Local Polish teacher Adriana McNeil is behind the meeting, which will start at 3pm at St Sylvester's Church in Elgin.

"All interested parties, irrespective of mother tongue or nationality, are very welcome to attend," said Mrs McNeil.

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