Inverness café announces closure saying ‘city centre is just not the place it used to be’
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A café in Inverness will close down on Monday, it has announced after describing the city centre as "just not the place it used to be".
The Whisk Café and Giftshop, at 19 Queensgate, informed its customers on social media last night that this Monday will be its last day in operation.
Praising their "amazing team" for their hard work and dedication, a spokesperson for the café said they had "tried so many different things" to keep the café going "but our time has come to say goodbye to the city".
However, it won't be the end of the Whisk's work, with it continuing its sites at Cawdor Deli, and the Wee Whisk café at 42 Culcabock Road in Inverness, as well as "the never ending list of outside catering events".
Taking to its Facebook page, a spokesperson for the café said: "This is one of the hardest post I have ever written but I won't cry anymore.
"I am so incredibly proud of both the amazing team and myself on how Whisk grew and having to make this decision wasn't easy but the city centre is just not the place it used to be.
"As the Highland Council have said businesses come and go so I'm sure they won't be surprised losing another small business from the centre.
"We have tried so many different things but our time has come to say goodbye to the city and concentrate on Cawdor Deli, Wee Whisk and the never ending list of outside catering events all massive achievements that came from Whisk.
"I will never forget this journey it has never been easy but I have loved the challenge and the opportunities that have arisen from being a business owner. Its hard work the hardest on so many levels but without the hard work it wouldn't of kicked off let alone achieved what it has from awards to apprenticeships we have so many highlights.
"I can't thank our customers especially our regulars enough you have been amazing and we hope to see you in WEE Whisk.
"We have had several team members all so very different but part of the Whisk family and I hope we all continue to keep in touch. It's going to be one hell of a packing party.
"But for now one last weekend to say goodbye and have your Whisk favourites or a last play in the play house? Hope to see you all over the weekend.
"Thanks again you beautiful people."
News of the Queensgate café's closure sparked a flurry of tributes on social media, with a number promising to continue supporting the business’ other sites, and others decrying what they called the “death” of the city centre.
Mhairi Jarvie wrote: "So sorry to hear this guys. We drove past Wee Whisk today but can’t wait to try it.
"Good luck with everything going forward. Such a shame though. You always see the 'big chain cafes' busy, even Markies. Why don’t more folk support small local businesses?
Sue Littlemore said: "I'm so sorry to hear this. I loved coming in and having coffee and your GF cake! I shall come and see you at Cawdor and Wee Whisk. You should be so proud of what you and your team achieved."
Caitlin-Rose Stroud promised to keep visiting the Cawdor Deli, posting: "You should be so proud of yourself! It’s such a shame business are having to close in the centre.
"Will see you at Cawdor deli for my peace and quiet coffee every Friday
And Anne Margaret Henderson shared the sentiment about the city centre, writing: "Sorry to hear this, but the town centre is dying, locals are not frequenting it any more but heading out of the centre where parking is easier.
"Dont lose heart! You have done so well. All the best with Wee Whisk and Whisk Cawdor!"
What do you think? Is there a crisis in Inverness city centre? Are locals supporting their local businesses enough? What more can be done to help? Let us know by email at newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk.
