Outpouring of support and tributes after shock closure of Culloden Moor Inn, near Inverness
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The sad loss of a popular restaurant and bar near Inverness has sparked an outpouring of support and fond memories online.
The Culloden Moor Inn shocked its many Inverness and Highland fans overnight when it announced its immediate closure – citing rising costs for food and drink as the reason for its decision.
The inn, which sits just to the west of Culloden Battlefield on the crossroad junction of the B9006 and Culloden Road, has long been popular with visitors and locals alike.
Taking to social media to announce its surprise move, a spokesperson said: "We survived Covid, then immediately spiralled into a cost-of-living crisis, rising energy prices and increasing food and drink costs.
"All these damaging factors have weighed heavily on us and we have tried to see it through for our fantastic team. Put simply, our small business can no longer be sustained under all these pressures.
"We would like to thank our amazing team who have worked tirelessly all summer, many of them having been with us for many years and wish each and every one of them all the very best for the future.
"Lastly, we must thank you all for your business and your support over the last 18 years and for your help in making the business such a success."
News of the closure quickly garnered attention online, with hundreds of well-wishers taking to social media to express their shock, sadness and best of luck for the future.
Morag Watt said: "Always very sad to see yet another business close its doors in these hard economic times. I hope you find success in some other way. All the best."
And Linda Christie added: "So sad to read this, had some lovely meals there on many occasions over the years. Wishing you and your staff all the best for your futures."
Other comments came from past employees or people with strong emotional connections to the premises.
Darren Munro said: "Worked there a few years ago, owners couldn’t do enough for you. Such an amazing family business, proud to say I was part of it. It will be such a loss to Inverness."
Stephen Murray added: "Sad news. We had our wedding reception there, staff were fantastic."
"Spent a few good times in there while attending the Culloden commemoration and camping in the grounds," said Charlie McAulay Robertson.
Others comments praised the phenomenal staff and the amazing food.
One such commenter, Fiona Ross, said: "So sorry to read this. It was one of our favourite places for lunch and dinner. Amazing platefuls of food and lovely staff.
"Wishing you all of you the best in the future."
The venue, which has a restaurant and bar along with a separate bar area and beer garden, was put up for sale on the market in May. Cornerstone Business Agents is advertising it with a freehold price of £650,000, raising hopes that a buyer might be found and the business might potentially live on in the future.
Related: Cost pressures lead to closure of Culloden Moor Inn
