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 28, 2024
2 min read

Property consultancy Vail Williams has appointed a new surveyor in response to growing business demand.

Jake Collins has joined the Gatwick agency team in Crawley from Worthing-based estate agent Michael Jones, where he held a senior negotiating role.

He is experienced in working in the Sussex commercial property market and specialises in the acquisition and disposal of commercial property, working with occupiers, landlords, investors and developers. He said:

“I am thrilled to be appointed by Vail Williams, and I am looking to utilise my skill sets and regional experience to ensure clients continue to receive the second-to-none service for which Vail Williams is renowned."

“I was seeking a new challenge and am relishing being part of such a progressive and professional agency team in an exceptional firm.”

Jake, who completed his education at Chichester College, added: “I am looking forward to expanding my wide range of knowledge across all commercial property sectors, including retail, industrial, office and investment, and will be able to strengthen my experience, working with clients across Surrey, Sussex and Kent.”

He works alongside partner Steve Berrett and associate Mikael Goldsmith in the Gatwick agency team.

Vail Williams’ Gatwick regional managing partner Suzanne Holloway said:

“Jake has fitted seamlessly into our agency team and has hit the ground running to become a valued colleague as business continues to expand."

“He has particular expertise in dealing with industrial, office and retail assets, and has been involved in a range of freehold disposals across the Gatwick region."

“Jake is also adept at real estate marketing and possess a keen knowledge of market appraisals, land values and development.”

Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

NEW ROLE: Jake Collins has been appointed as a Surveyor by property consultancy Vail Williams in the Gatwick region, based in Crawley

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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