A well-known café overlooking Portsoy’s historic Old Harbour has been purchased by the North East Scotland Preservation Trust (NESPT), securing the building for the future and creating an opportunity for a new tenant to build on the café’s established success.
The NESPT has purchased the Port House Café using funds left to the Trust through the legacy of the late Tom Burnett-Stuart, whose long association with Portsoy and passion for its heritage continues to make an impact on the town.
The purchase forms part of the NESPT’s wider commitment to protecting Portsoy’s historic harbour buildings while ensuring they remain in active use, supporting local businesses, employment and the economy.
Situated beside the Old Harbour, the Port House Café is an established business which is popular with both local residents and the many visitors who come to Portsoy and the surrounding coast.
The NESPT will now seek a new operator to take on the café, as the current owners move on, offering someone the opportunity to run their own business from one of the town’s most picturesque and prominent locations.
Paul Higson, Project Director at the NESPT, said: “Portsoy’s historic buildings are an incredibly important part of the character of the town, but their future depends on them continuing to have a purpose and being part of everyday life.
“Purchasing the Port House Café gives the NESPT an opportunity not only to safeguard another building in this important historic area, but also to retain a business at the harbour which contributes to the local economy and is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
“Tom Burnett-Stuart cared deeply about Portsoy and its heritage, and we are very grateful that his legacy is enabling us to invest in the town in this way. We hope this purchase will have a lasting impact, protecting the building while creating an exciting opportunity for someone to take the café forward.
“We would love to hear from people who have the enthusiasm and ideas to build on what is already an established café and write its next chapter.”
Anyone interested in the opportunity should contact Paul Higson at info@nespt.org, briefly setting out their experience in hospitality, why they are interested in running the café and their plans and vision for the business.
Short-listed applicants will be invited to meet NESPT staff for an informal chat and to view the café on 28th, 29th, or 30th October.
A formal application process including interview will follow, with further details to be announced.
