Plan to turn empty Elgin shop into a deli
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Hopes are high that the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill store on Elgin's High Street could be turned into a delicatessen.
Faith Houlding, the owner of Scribbles restaurant, has applied to Moray Council for planning permission to convert the site, which has been closed since November.
If permission is granted, the premises will become The Deli Next Door.
Amongst the items on sale will be sandwiches and graze boxes, as well as locally produced items, such as cheeses, meats, jams and chutneys.
Faith, who is currently in the process of buying the site, said: "We see a deli as being a complimentary business not just to Scribbles, but to the rest of the High Street.
"Hopefully, it should create a few jobs as well."
Faith was originally offered the site for lease, but decided the investment required meant it would be better to buy.
She said: "The last 18 months have been challenging but this is something really positive to be working towards.
"I'm an optimist who thinks our high street is something that's worth investing in – and I believe there are plenty of people who agree.
"Since the end of lockdown Scribbles has had phenomenal support from people who are coming back into the town again and are keen to support local businesses.
"And, from what I'm hearing on the grapevine, many hospitality businesses across Moray are receiving similar support as well."
Previously a retail site for several decades, the shop will require extensive renovation.
Faith said: "Whatever happens, we're not going to be opening tomorrow.
"I've been told the planning process can take up to ten weeks.
"On top of that, the site needs new flooring and there are false ceilings that will have to come down. The shop will also require new electrics to be fitted.
"By working around the clock back in 2014 we managed to give Scribbles a complete renovation within just a week.
"But this is on a different scale and it's going to take longer.
"However, I'll try to use local contractors again like last time.
"Due to changes in people's eating habits I believe there's a demand for something like this in Elgin, especially now that the wonderful deli at Gordon and MacPhail has been closed for a number of months.
"For quite a while now I've been keeping my eye out for local producers who make and supply really tasty food.
"We want to sell high-quality products."
