Rosemarkie beauty spot's 'crocodile rock', 'dolphin mile' - and flower power!
A VISITOR attraction at a Black Isle beauty spot is seeking help with its growth plans as its busiest-ever season looms on the horizon.
Visitors to the Rosemarkie Beach Café are likely to clock a cheerfully adorned green watering can, which they’ll be invited to use for thirsty tubs and borders around the popular facility.
And locals will also be encouraged to distribute new leaflets outlining walks and shedding light on some of the distinctive rocks that can be seen along the way.
Hopes are high that dolphin-watchers drawn to nearby Chanonry Point will be inspired to walk what’s being dubbed “the dolphin mile” between the attractions.
Beautiful tubs and borders have been planted up by Jo Chance of Jo’s Nursery at Balmungie. With the salt air drying them out, regular watering is a must.
“We thought children especially might enjoy filling the green can and doing a spot of watering for us!” explained Philip Eley, the beach café manager.
Rosemarkie Beach Café opened at weekends right the way through the winter for the first time ever, with a special fortnightly “Friday Caff” providing a welcome inexpensive lunchtime treat for any local people who wanted to come along.
“Our café is a social enterprise, which means we always have the interests of the community at heart,” said Philip. “The café only reopened seven days a week for the season from the beginning of April and we have had record attendance over Easter, selling out of ice-cream and even buckets and spades on Easter Monday!”
Verity Walker, who manages publicity for the café on behalf of Rosemarkie Amenities Association, has noted an increase in visitors making a conscious decision to visit the cafe along with Chanonry Point and the Fairy Glen or the beach.
“People are visiting the Black Isle from Inverness or Dingwall specifically to come to the café. It’s the difference between being just another local eatery and a destination in our own right, and we’re really thrilled about that.”
A new young team of local recruits is on board for the season — newcomers Hannah Keddie, Dougie Orr, Alex Robertson, Neil Murray-Scott and Robbie Norval join experienced team members Catriona Norval and Nynke Jansen, Cerys Murray–Scott and Ben Brown.
Over 25 youngsters have now been trained at the café since it reopened as a social enterprise five years ago.
