Popular Inverness cafe reopens after refurbishment with new takeaway offering
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After a challenging three-month break due to flood damage, Café Artysans is back open.
Located on Strothers Lane in Inverness, the café has long been a hub for the local community. Now, as they swing their doors open once more, they are inviting everyone to come along and experience the renewed spirit of Café Artysans.
The café is part of Calman Trust, which aims to enable young people in the Highlands, aged 15-25, who are at risk of being left behind as a result of their personal challenges, to become confident and capable young adults, prepared to manage independent living or a job, and to join in the community, their life chances improved.
Operated by Calman Trust for its benefit to young people, at Café Artysans, every cup of coffee, every bite of their famous Cullen skink, and every catering order directly contributes to improving their life chances.
In reopening, the organisation is so glad to see this work get back on track, striving to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities necessary for a bright future.
Calman Trust extends a heartfelt thank you to the local businesses and customers whose support has enabled them to bounce back.
Nicola McRobert, café manager, said: “Their support and encouragement during our closure were invaluable, and we are thrilled to be serving them again.”
Upon reopening, two exciting initiatives have been launched, not only broadening Calman Trust’s service to young people, but also enhancing its impact in the community.
The launch of Club Artysans, made possible through the generous support of the Inverness Common Good Fund and the Life Changes Trust Legacy Fund, exemplifies the charity’s commitment to nurturing the potential of young people in the Highlands.
Every Thursday evening, young people can explore various art forms while enjoying an Artysans’ meal, thanks to partnerships with Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre and Abriachan Forest Trust.
Additionally, the café is thrilled to introduce Artysans To Go, a new takeaway outlet conveniently located within the café.
Kier, in collaboration with its sub-contractors ScotBuild, Calder Electrical, and Gavin MacDonald Flooring, generously supported the project as part their corporate social responsibility commitment.
“We are immensely grateful to Kier for their generous support. They have done a fantastic job,” said Jo Graham, business development manager at Café Artysans. Being able to offer a new opportunity for young people to experience the world of work is fantastic and provides a great stepping stone towards employment and independent living. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new takeaway outlet, featuring a tasty selection of freshly made soups, toasties, cakes, sandwiches, and salads. Come and enjoy!”
Café Artysans is part of Calman Trust, a charity that works with young people in the Highlands who are experiencing challenges on the road to young adulthood.
Since 1998, the organisation has worked with over 6000 young people, enabling them to prepare for an independent life, work, and community engagement. The takeaway unit will also be a valuable addition to Café Artysans’ ability to generate income for the charity.
Lindsey McNaughtan, corporate social responsibility manager at Kier Construction North & Scotland, added: “We are incredibly proud of this project and our partnership with Café Artysans and the Calman Trust.
“At Kier we are committed to enabling social mobility, providing skills and opportunities within the local communities in which we work, the tools and opportunities to help them thrive. This project is a shining example of this and helping to provide local young people with that first step into employment. We look forward to the opening of Artysans To Go.”
To learn more about Café Artysans, to place an online catering order or to become a friend, please visit www.cafeartysans.org.uk or email hello@calman.org
