The closure of a popular eatery at a Moray beauty spot has been described as a “disaster” for the village.
The Piers Cafe in Findhorn will shut tomorrow, leading to concerns the area will miss out on tourists during the busy summer season.
The cafe has been run by the current management for a year, but they will move out as part of a restructuring by its owners, the Royal Findhorn Yacht Club.
Last night, the latter group insisted they remained open to the possibility of a cafe returning to the site.
But one member, who did not wish to be named, fears the news could drive away regular trade to the village.
He said: “It’s a disaster. The team there have worked hard over the last year to build it up to where it’s got to – it’s even remained busy through the winter.
“The way Findhorn is at the moment, the village is dying, locals can’t afford to live here anymore. Shutting the cafe just sends out another bad message.”
Last night, the club explained they were now looking for somebody from outwith the group to run the catering side.
Michael Barron, RFYC commodore, hopes the closure will only be temporary. He said: “Until now, the cafe has been offered to the club steward as their own business. It’s not quite worked out the way we expected and we’ve had a slight change of strategy to have someone look after the catering completely separately.
“We’re a yacht club, we’re not a cafe, and we have to look after our members first.
“We’re still hoping that, if and when, somebody takes on the club catering, they will be looking to open a cafe.”
But the news of the imminent closure has disappointed regulars at the scenic coffee stop.
Kinloss resident June Clegg regularly walks from her home to enjoy meals by Findhorn Bay.
She said: “It’s been built up into such a busy place. It has made a big difference to the area. It would be a big loss.”
Anni Starkey, who lives in Findhorn, said: “The cafe has struggled over the years but, for the first time I remember, it has stayed buoyant over the winter. It’s a shame.”
Staff at the cafe declined to comment.
