Highland charity hopes new training cafe will help to fill the gap in tackling poverty and long-term unemployment
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A new training café could be set up in Inverness to provide people planning to go into the hospitality industry with the skills they need.
The potential venture is being developed by the charity New Start Highland which works to tackle poverty, homelessness and long-term unemployment in the region.
It has submitted a planning application to Highland Council to carry out internal alterations at its base in the city’s Carsegate Road North to accommodate a café.
Chief executive James Dunbar said the project was at an early stage but the organisation had wanted to develop a café for many years.
He said it also fitted in with the development of its training academy which aims to support more than 150 people this year with individually-tailored training such as warehouse training, delivery and administration.
"We are looking at the changing needs of the economy," he said.
"What we are looking to do in developing the training academy is to have a range of different learning opportunities and that could include working in a café."
He acknowledged it was a difficult time for the hospitality sector at the moment but felt opportunities would be there in the future.
"Really, this is trying to make sure new entrants go in with the skills which will help existing businesses as well as individuals," he said.
"It is something to complement what already exists not to compete."
Mr Dunbar also envisaged it could be an extra facility for local workers as there was no café close by.
New Start Highland is working on its training academy with Highland Council, Inverness College UHI and local employers and funding has been provided by Scottish and Southern Energy under the Highland Sustainable Fund.
It is also in the process of being accredited with the Scottish Qualifications Authority for work readiness and core skills courses.
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