An Orkney businesswoman with a taste for success has just completed a major re-furbishment of a local coffee shop she bought just 18 months ago.

Julia's Cafe & Bistro in Stromness officially re-opened today (Thursday, 5 July, 2001) after being closed since the turn of the year, to allow the transformation to take place.

The re-development of Julia's Coffee Shop includes a new conservatory that has been built onto the front of the existing historic building, thus enhancing the locality and appealing to more passing trade. Its prime location - opposite the harbour in Stromness - means that it is ideally suited for passengers embarking and dis-embarking at the ferry terminal.

Julia who only started working at the cafe two years ago as a waitress jumped at the chance to make the cafe her own when it was put up for sale in 1999.

The new development will see the cafe and bistro's capacity increase from 30 to 50 customers as part of an overall plan to satisfy demand.

The alterations involved extending into the neighbouring property, formerly a laundrette. The increased space has allowed for excellent disabled access and toilets, an internet facility and a large kitchen with segregated space for cooking, washing up and food storage.

The project has been assisted by Orkney Enterprise with a grant package worth over £27,000.

Business development manager with Orkney Enterprise Harvey Stevenson said: "The cafe and bistro is an important business in the local area as it provides significant employment and will help boost tourism throughout the year. It is also convenient for families with small children - a market which has not previously been catered for.

"Julia produced a business plan to demonstrate the viability of the development, with the help of an Orkney Enterprise business counsellor. Now that the work has been completed, we have put her in touch with a business mentor who will help trouble-shoot any problems she comes up against."

Julia Taylor said: "Although the internet access provides a useful local service, it will also help to increase our core business by attracting visitors inside who are keen to catch up on their personal emails whilst on holiday.

"The development has been a big undertaking but hopefully locals and visitors can now experience a much more enjoyable place to eat and drink. Our new extended menu will be available from 8am every day in order to coincide with the arrival of the Scrabster-Stromness ferry. We will also be open during the evening for customers who enjoy good food in smoke-free, cheerful surroundings."