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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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  • Writer: Paul Andrews
    Paul Andrews
  • Jan 3
  • 2 min read
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A prominent Lake District spa resort has completed a £457,000 expansion project to upgrade its facilities and enhance its luxury offer.


Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, which recently became the first in the North West to attain the Good Spa Guide’s highest ‘Five Bubble Luxury’ rating, has expanded its spa with the addition of industry leading outdoor amenities, plus the creation of 10 new jobs.


Guests at The Spa at Low Wood Bay now benefit from a host of upgraded facilities, including a new outdoor extension, the Upper Deck, featuring an 18 metre infinity relaxation pool, private seating, fire pits and loungers.


Designed in conjunction with Mason Gillibrand Architects and Unique Pool Design and Construction, guests can enjoy first class outdoor spa facilities as well as the stunning views across Windermere whilst sipping cocktails served from the open air bar.


The core aim of the investment project has been to provide more space for guests and to improve the overall 5-star luxury spa experience. The new jobs created as a result of the spa expansion project means the venue’s spa team now consists of 45 employees.


A key challenge during the development work was the ability to build the additional outdoor pool and seating areas unobtrusively whilst guests continued to enjoy the existing facilities.


English Lakes Hotels Group Operations Director Michael Kay says: "Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has always benefited from the backdrop of its spectacular scenery across Windermere and the Langdale Pikes. We wanted to make the most of this with the addition of the infinity pool and the extension of our outdoor spa offering."


“Our aim is for our guests to be able to immerse themselves in the great outdoors of the Lake District whilst relaxing in the warmth and comfort of high luxury spa facilities."

“We’ve also recently launched our outdoor thermal spa experience events. These feature our ‘Sunset sessions’ with an Ibiza style DJ, or the more sedate ‘Spa and Strings’ with the accompaniment of the Lakeland String Quartet, both of which are proving popular."


“We’re excited about our plans for 2025 as we look for more opportunities to continue creating amazing experiences for our guests.”


For further information about Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, visit their website here

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