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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.


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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.


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  • lindaandrews071
  • Apr 2
  • 2 min read

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Atlassian Williams Racing is pleased to announce 2022 FIA Formula 3 Champion Victor Martins will be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy, becoming the latest addition to our talented line-up.


Victor has an impressive racing record, having won the closely contested 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship, securing victory at the finale in Monza. The season saw the Frenchman achieve two wins, six podiums and one fastest lap. Graduating to Formula 2 in 2023, Victor closed the season as top rookie and helped ART Grand Prix win the Teams’ Championship alongside teammate Théo Pourchaire. He continued in Formula 2 for 2024, stepping onto the podium five times across the season, including one victory in the Barcelona Sprint race.


Victor will remain with ART Grand Prix racing in Formula 2, joining existing Williams Racing Academy Driver Luke Browning who drives for Hitech GP in the series. Both drivers will be taking the wheel of the FW45 at as part of the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme in Monza this weekend.


As an Academy driver, Victor is set to receive training and guidance to continue refining his skills on and off the racetrack.


He joins an expanding roster of future stars that Williams is investing in through the Williams Racing Driver Academy and builds on this proud tradition of giving young talent a path into F1, most recently seeing Franco Colapinto graduate from the Academy to an F1 race seat in 2024. The Driver Academy aims to support drivers throughout every stage of the motorsport ladder, working with them to develop the necessary skills to race at the highest level.


Victor Martins:

“I’m super happy to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy! This is a new chapter for me, but my goal remains the same – to push myself to the limit, both as a person and as a racing driver, and to make it to Formula 1."

"Williams is an iconic team with an incredible history, and I’m confident this is the best place to be to help me achieve my goals. This year, I’ll put all my focus into winning the Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship with ART Grand Prix and maximising this opportunity with the Driver Academy both on and off the track. I look forward to working with everyone at Williams as we embark on this new journey together."


Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, Atlassian Williams Racing:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Victor to the Williams Racing Driver Academy. He has repeatedly demonstrated that he is a talented driver who is capable of winning championships. We will continue to support Victor’s development on and off the track as part of the Academy and look forward to working with him in 2025.”

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