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A story about love: ‘The best little hippy shop in the country’ is closing its doors in Inverness





Richard Montague. Picture: James Mackenzie
Richard Montague. Picture: James Mackenzie

‘The best little hippy shop in the country’ is closing its doors in a matter of weeks.

Far-Fetched, based in Drummond Street, has been a permanent fixture of the city centre for nearly 16 years, kitting out customers with the best of festival clothes, haram pants, incense sticks and a treasure trove of much more.

Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie
Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie

Owner Richard Montague is shutting as the landlord is selling the building - but this isn’t a story of heartache. It’s actually one of love.

Sitting outside the shop on his distinguishable purple stools, he tells me about how he started the business.

Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie
Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie

He says: “I started doing this over 30 years ago, doing festivals and student markets! I did Glastonbury and Belladrum. I used to go around the country and I did a pop-up shop at Christmas.

“I go out to India and Nepal twice a year to get the stock, so that’s what I’ve been doing. Buying it from small businesses over there. That’s how I started off as I wanted to go back to India.

“There was a change in family circumstances and I couldn’t keep going around the country so I went for the shop! I’ve had it ever since.”

Over the past 16 years, Richard says there have been many changes, including a decreased footfall in the city centre, with more people finding it harder to get in and easier to shop online.

Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie
Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie

However, there is one thing that hasn’t changed: people.

Smiling with a clear appreciation for everyone, he says: “We’ve had many good times in the shop. It’s the people who make it!

Richard Montague. Picture: James Mackenzie
Richard Montague. Picture: James Mackenzie

“There are customers who first came in when they were five or six years old, and now they’re young adults with their own kids.

“It’s really nice to see!”

Since announcing the closure of the shop, Richard has seen this appreciation from his customers, which has meant a lot to him.

Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie
Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie

He continues: “The big story for me at the moment is the love I’m feeling! For 16 years I’ve been here and I chat with people. Since I’ve put up the signs and announced that I’m going, there are just so many people saying nice things and it’s really touching to be honest.

“People are genuinely upset and disappointed. I’m just feeling that. It was difficult through Covid and people were coming in straight away once we opened. My landlord was so good during Covid and so supportive which made it possible to carry on.

“He’s retiring and selling the property and I don’t want to buy it.”

Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie
Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie

Richard now plans to enjoy some time off and do some travelling.

He says: “I haven’t had a Saturday off in 33 years so I’m looking forward to that. I’ll be going to India, Nepal and I hope to visit Cambodia and Laos! I would also like to go on a motorbike across America.”

Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie
Far-Fetched interior. Picture: James Mackenzie

However, there is no need to fear as Far-Fetched is not gone for good; Richard hopes to set up an online shop in November.

“I will have a shop online before Christmas and I’ll be keeping my eyes open for premises but it’s quite tricky to find here,” he adds.

Far-Fetched closes on July 27 and all updates about future plans will be on its Facebook page.


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