Nook & Scranny, founded by Laura Burt and Graham Kay, occupies a prime spot directly opposite the Isle of Harris Gin Distillery. The business brings together essential local services with a modern food offering and boutique accommodation, creating a hub for both residents and visitors.

Ms Burt, a chef by trade, and Mr Kay acquired the building in July 2025. Previously a newsagent that had served the community for 35 years, the premises has been fully operational from day one. The couple recently secured a £25,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme via Virgin StartUp, which funded renovations and a new kitchen for the deli.

The guesthouse upstairs features three rooms for up to six guests, offering both short and longer-stay options, with breakfast from the deli included. The deli itself will offer freshly prepared sandwiches, take-home meals such as Buddha bowls, pastries, breads, and Ms Burt’s own homemade ice cream.

Ms Burt said: “We hadn’t planned to take on a new business so quickly, but when the building came on the market, it felt like the right opportunity. We’ve been working around the clock to renovate the premises and fit the deli kitchen. Our goal is to keep the shop reliable for locals, offer a wide range of healthy food through the deli, and provide flexible stay options so more people can enjoy everything Harris has to offer. Ultimately, we want Nook & Scranny to be a welcoming place for everyone.”

The business is already making its mark at local events and is set to cater the HebCelt music festival in Stornoway this July. Ms Burt and Mr Kay bring extensive experience from their West Highland Way deli, Turnip the Beet, which has operated for ten years and catered at major events, including backstage for artists at TRNSMT, the OVO Hydro and the SEC Armadillo.

With the official launch in April, Ms Burt and Mr Kay hope Nook & Scranny will become the go-to destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a blend of convenience, healthy and high-quality food, and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Tarbert.

Since launching in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided £1.5 million of funding to businesses in Argyll and Bute. On average, each business owner has received £10,821 as well as being offered support in areas such as marketing, business development, and business plan writing.

Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “Laura and Graham have taken a long-standing local shop and turned it into a multi-faceted business with huge potential.

“Nook & Scranny combines essential services for the local community with a deli offering a premium range of food and drinks, alongside welcoming rooms for visitors to stay.

“This is exactly the kind of business that strengthens both the local economy and tourism. We’re proud the Start Up Loans programme could play a role in bringing their vision to life.”

Diana Greenhalgh, operations lead at Virgin StartUp, added: “Backing founders at the right moment can make all the difference. It’s great to see Nook & Scranny going from strength to strength and we’re proud to have supported Laura & Graham on their journey.

“The positive impact they’re already having within their community shows how businesses like this play an important role in supporting local economies and bringing people together.”