Tartan Tweeds of Scotland store in Inverness forced to close over £41k bill
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A LARGE store in the centre of Inverness has been vacated after Highland Council served notice to quit on the tenant over an alleged rates debt.
The council said the quit notice was served on Shop Solutions Ltd, which operated Tartan Tweeds of Scotland in Bridge Street, Inverness.
The store sold tartan and woollen goods and other Scottish merchandise to a largely tourist market.
A council spokeswoman said: “Notice was served on the tenant who had accumulated significant non-domestic rates debt. The debt for this shop unit currently stands at £41,446.24 and is still being pursued.
“Non-payment of rates is taken very seriously and Highland Council will use the necessary powers within its remit to pursue debt.”
It seems the empty unit could be occupied again very soon however.
The spokeswoman added: “The retail units in this location attract strong demand, particularly from the tourist sector.
“Highland Council has secured a new tenant to occupy the space. The new tenant has a strong history of paying rent and rates and the tenant fit-out is expected to commence in January.”
The council would not reveal who the new tenant is, and neighbouring properties on Bridge Street have not heard who it will be either.
A sign on the empty premises reads: “Tartan Tweeds of Scotland, 5 Bridge Street has now closed.
“Please direct all mail/deliveries to 1 High Street.”
The premises at 1 High Street is the former So Coco cafe/restaurant which earlier this year closed down, and was taken over by a company selling tartan, woollens and other Scottish merchandise.
However, the manager there insisted this week that it had no business connection with the former Tartan Tweeds premises.
The occupants at 1 High Street fell foul of planning rules earlier this year when they tried to rebrand the former café a dark pink colour.
