Business blooms in Dunbeath

A lifelong interest in gardening, and a gap in the market, has inspired a Dunbeath woman to start up a new flower shop.

Seaview Flowers, the brainchild of Doreen Macleod, operates from a large port-a-cabin based at Dunbeath Harbour. In addition to selling a range of cut flowers, such as bouquets and wreaths, Doreen also offers a selection of flowers and plants, dried and silk arrangements and Christmas table centres, all of which can be delivered. She will grow a lot of her own stock with the assistance of her husband Simon, who is also a keen gardener, in their garden, greenhouses and polytunnel.

Doreen was able to start her business thanks to assistance from the HIE Starts programme, which is managed locally by Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE). According to Doreen, "When the flower shop in Latheronwheel closed there was no provision locally and I felt it was a good time to take the big step of starting my own business."

Doreen recently supplied Dunbeath and Berriedale Community Council with flowers for displays throughout the area.

CASE business counsellor, Ian Thomson said, "Doreen has the skills to make this business a success and the assistance available under the HIE Starts scheme has given her the confidence to start the business. She identified a clear gap in the market and I have no doubt that there will be demand from the local community."

Seaview Flowers will be open for business from 9.30 - 5.30, Monday - Saturday. For more information on the range of flowers and plants available, contact Doreen on 01593 731303.