Dumfries And Galloway Farm Scoops Success With New Gelato Venture

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A family-run farm based tourist destination in Castle Douglas has launched a new gelato venture, using milk from its own herd of pedigree Holstein cows to create fresh gelato, after securing support from Business Gateway.

Ernespie Farm Centre, led by the McMiken family, has been a working farm for generations but in recent years has diversified into tourism to secure its long-term future. It is now a popular destination for visitors across Dumfries and Galloway, offering a farm-to-fork restaurant, gift shop as well as indoor and outdoor play.

In April 2025, the family opened ‘The Gelato Hut’, which scoops up to 18 flavours 7 days a week, including seasonal specials and warm bubble waffles at their evening events. Specialist equipment enables the team to transform their own milk into delicious, creamy gelato, all produced on-site.

The expansion into gelato production helps to reduce food miles for visitors and secures local employment. There are also plans underway to supply their gelato to local businesses, further boosting the local economy.

The team has a real focus on sustainability, using products produced in the bakery of The Farmhouse Kitchen on-site as additions in their gelato. As well as the milk being used in the gelato, all the beef served in The Farmhouse Kitchen restaurant comes from their own cattle.

Director David was determined to find new ways to strengthen the business and provide year-round opportunities, so approached Business Gateway. Through this, David met Business Gateway adviser Fiona Smyth, who supported him with developing business plans, innovation support, advice on funding and advice on expanding premises.

Alongside the gelato venture, Ernespie Farm has also invested in a new digital booking system, allowing visitors to book farm park entry, seasonal events and restaurant tables online, helping to increase efficiency and boost occupancy.

David McMiken, director at Ernespie Farm Centre, said:

“Diversification has been key to future-proofing our farm. Launching the gelateria has allowed us to make the most of what we produce here on the farm and offer something unique for our visitors. Business Gateway’s support with funding was invaluable - we simply couldn’t have made this level of investment without it. It’s exciting to now see our gelato being enjoyed on-site and by the wider community.”

Gail Macgregor, chair of Business Gateway board, said:

“The team at Ernespie Farm has been incredibly proactive in adapting the business and finding new opportunities for growth. The gelateria is a fantastic addition that not only strengthens the farm park offering but also creates new employment and sustainability benefits for the local area. It’s a great example of diversification done well and Business Gateway is proud to have supported the project.”

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Responding to the Autumn Budget, Steven Martin, Senior Tax Manager at HWB Chartered Accountants, said:

“I would have liked to see more simplification in the range of tax rates and allowances. Instead, there is more complication, with fine judgements needed about marginal rates when it comes to tax planning."

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Linda Andrews - Editorial Assistant, Nuse Online
Oct 10, 2024
2 min read

The historic Loughborough Fair will be returning to the town next month. Loughborough Fair, operated by Charnwood Borough Council, will be open from Wednesday, 13 November to Saturday, 16 November.

It will be the 803rd year that the fair has taken place with thousands of visitors expected in the town centre.

Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE, said:

“We are very excited to welcome the iconic Loughborough Fair back to the town along with the showman, residents and visitors. The fair is always a fantastic week with a great atmosphere throughout Loughborough and this year will be no exception."

“I look forward to seeing everyone enjoy the rides, attractions and food and also support our local businesses within the town centre.”

Loughborough Fair will be officially opened by the Mayor of Charnwood on Wednesday, 13 November at 5pm – an hour earlier than usual.

Granby Street car park will be closed from the afternoon of Monday, 11 November due to the area being used for rides and attractions. The car parks at Ward's End and Bedford Square will also be closed from the afternoon of Tuesday, 12 November.

The layout to this year’s Loughborough Fair will be altered slightly due to the scaffolding outside HSBC in the town centre but this will not affect the number or types of rides that will be on offer to visitors.

The Beehive Lane multi-storey car park and Southfield Road car parks are available during the hours of the fair. Southfield offices car park will also be open to the public outside of the Council’s opening times.

The Council will work closely with partners including the police and will have stewards on patrol during the fair to make sure everyone enjoys the event safely.

The opening times for Loughborough Fair 2024:

Wednesday, 13 November – 5pm until 11pm
Thursday, 14 November – 12pm until 11pm
Friday, 15 November – 11am until 11pm
Saturday, 16 November – 11am until 11pm

The first official charter for Loughborough Fair was granted to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Depenser, in 1221 by King Henry III.

You can find out more details about Loughborough Fair on the Council's dedicated webpage.

Responding to the Autumn Budget, Steven Martin, Senior Tax Manager at HWB Chartered Accountants, said:

“I would have liked to see more simplification in the range of tax rates and allowances. Instead, there is more complication, with fine judgements needed about marginal rates when it comes to tax planning."

Act Now On Looming Shake-Up Of Tenants’ Rights

A senior lawyer at a south coast legal firm has urged landlords and lettings agents to ‘get ahead of what is to come’ as the countdown begins to a major reform of the private rented sector.

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Dumfries And Galloway Farm Scoops Success With New Gelato Venture

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