Crofter’s Kitchen, the award-winning Highland food business, has received planning consent from Highland Council to establish a year-round restaurant on its croft near the iconic Scourie Beach, on Scotland’s north-west coast.
Following nearly a year of close collaboration with the local authority, the approved plans allow Crofter’s Kitchen to add a purpose-built shipping-container restaurant to its site. The new facility will include a professional kitchen, toilet amenities, and heated indoor seating for up to 25 guests.
The decision marks a major milestone for the business, enabling it to operate throughout the year for the first time. This transition will see Crofter’s Kitchen evolve from a seasonal summer venture into a permanent hospitality destination for both the local community and visitors travelling the North Coast 500.
For the Scourie area, the development also brings wider benefits, creating opportunities for stable, year-round employment and helping to sustain skilled hospitality roles within the rural economy.
Head Chef and co-owner Grant Mercer welcomed the outcome.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Highland Council for working constructively with us throughout the process and for recognising the value this project brings to the local area,” he said.
“This gives us the opportunity to create a warm, welcoming space for our community beyond the summer months, while continuing to showcase the incredible produce we’re lucky enough to have right on our doorstep.”
The new indoor restaurant will complement the existing outdoor setup, allowing guests to continue enjoying Crofter’s Kitchen’s seasonal summer menus alongside an expanded offering during autumn and winter.
Planned additions include North-West Highland-inspired Sunday roasts, rotating seasonal menus, collaborations with chefs and whisky distilleries, and winter events such as yoga and brunch sessions, all hosted in a heated space overlooking the beach.
Remaining true to its farm-to-fork and dock-to-dish philosophy, the business will continue prioritising local sourcing, including pork from neighbouring crofts and vegetables grown on site, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and a resilient local supply chain.
Founded by Grant Mercer and Heather Mercer, Crofter’s Kitchen has rapidly become a standout food destination on the NC500, known for its high-quality cooking and relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
Work on converting the restaurant container is expected to begin in the coming months, with the opening targeted for summer 2026. Further details are available at www.crofterskitchen.com.