Unst is to gain a lively café bistro and art gallery, thanks to the entrepreneurial skills of Jackie Hamilton and daughter Sian Hemingway and a drive to develop tourism in the UK's most northerly island.

The former Haroldswick shop has been converted into a welcome haven for local people and adventure travellers - those looking for a unique destination and some good quality, locally produced food at the end of their journey.

Investing in Unst has awarded a grant of £46,400 towards the development. The fund has been established as a result of additional funding allocated to HIE Shetland from the Scottish Executive for the regeneration of the island's economy. 

Co-owner Sian said: "We will be trying very hard to create a comfortable relaxed environment at The Northern Lights café bistro, where people can browse the gallery and choose from a menu featuring the best of Shetland's local produce."

Sian's mother, Jackie, is an accomplished artist who crafts works of art from stained glass. Her work will be displayed in the gallery along with exhibits from other local artists to attract visitors and promote the wealth of talent that is thriving in the islands.

Jackie added: "We want to promote Unst as an artist-friendly island.  The gallery will offer local artists a platform for their work, and we will be making sure that the displays change regularly to keep them fresh and interesting."

The population of Unst has declined in recent years, with a recent significant drop due to the departure of RAF personnel and families from the island and the earlier closure of the airport, although the current population number appears to have stabilised with around 600 people resident on the island.

Area director, Ann Black commented: "Unst has survived some severe economic blows in the past few years, but we are confident that we can reverse the trend. It is great to see that the economy of the island is already diversifying, and that tourism has been identified as an area with significant potential for growth."

Marie Robertson, of HIE Shetland, agreed: "The Unst community profile carried out by Initiative at the Edge - North Isles, in 2005, identified a lack of eating places in Unst especially for tourists. People like choice when they are on holiday.

"Providing a range of places to go for a meal in Unst will offer more options for the visitor market. This will encourage people to stay longer in the island, to everyone's benefit including restaurants, accommodation providers and visitor attractions."

"Tourism will remain one of the most important sectors of the economy in the long-term and its further development around sustainable development principles is a clear opportunity for the area."