Award-winning highland eatery Crofter’s Kitchen has been granted planning permission by Highland Council to expand its much-loved outdoor operation with a new shipping-container restaurant by the renowned Scourie Beach on Scotland’s north-west coast.
After almost a year working closely with Highland Council through the planning process, the approval allows the popular farm-to-fork and dock-to-dish business to install a fully fitted restaurant container, complete with a professional kitchen, toilet facilities and heated indoor seating for up to 25 people.
The development will enable Crofter’s Kitchen to open all year round for the first time, transforming what has so far been a seasonal summer business into a permanent hospitality destination for both locals and visitors travelling the North Coast 500.
Crucially for the rural community, the move will also allow the business to offer more secure, year-round employment in Scourie, supporting the local economy and helping retain skilled hospitality staff in the area.
Head chef and co-owner Grant Mercer said he was delighted with the decision. He said: "We’re incredibly grateful to Highland Council for working constructively with us throughout the process and for recognising the value this project brings to the local area.
“This gives us the opportunity to create a warm, welcoming space for our community beyond the summer months, while continuing to showcase the incredible produce we’re lucky enough to have right on our doorstep.”
The new restaurant will sit alongside the existing outdoor setup, meaning guests can continue to enjoy Crofter’s Kitchen’s ever-changing summer menu, while also looking forward to a new offering during the quieter months.
Plans include hearty North-West Highland-style Sunday roasts, an autumn seasonal menu, chef and whisky distillery collaborations, and winter events such as yoga and brunch gatherings — all in a cosy, heated space overlooking the beach.
True to the business’s ethos, menus will continue to focus on local sourcing, including pork from neighbouring crofts and vegetables grown on site, reinforcing Crofter’s Kitchen’s commitment to sustainability and its local supply chain.
Founded by Grant Mercer and Heather Mercer, Crofter’s Kitchen has quickly built a reputation as a must-visit food stop on the NC500, combining high-quality cooking with a relaxed, community-led atmosphere.
In 2025 they won our Scran Award for Best Street Food and have brilliant reviews, with one diner posting about their 'divine seafood' and another calling the business an 'unexpected hidden gem.'
The team plans to begin work on the container conversion in the coming months, with the opening planned for summer 2026.
More information can be found at the Crofter's Kitchen website.
