2020 - a time to get busy

by Rona Simpson The coming together of two of the local area’s much-loved businesses is a heart-warming thing to see. Bunty’s in Bridge of fantastic produce is now to be found housed in Bunty’s Store. We wish both parties the very best with the joint venture.

2020 has not been a great year for business, but some new ventures have emerged and others have adapted and changed the way they operate. Here is a just a snapshot of a few local success stories.

Tammie Norries – Esty Shop Online

Frances Glen of Kilmacolm, winner of 2018 Kirsty’s Handmade Christmas, set up Tammie Norries this year, selling greeting cards and tea-towels designs with a quirky, Scottish feel. The inspiration for much of the flora and fauna design came from lockdown walks she took in the local area. Tammie Norries, the name given to puffins in Shetland and Orkney, echoes this Scottish theme. A Rabble of Bees, Bevvy of Deer and others in the range have proven very popular and she plans to add to these favourites and expand into different homewares. Bunty’s General Store and Three Sisters Bake – Bridge of Weir

Weir showed real community spirit during lockdown and delivered shopping to those who were shielding. The Three Sisters Bake sadly had to close their flagship café in Quarriers village, however, their Find Tammie Norries on Etsy.

Moovin Milk – Vending Machine in Lochwinnoch, Johnstone & Kilmacolm

Moovin Milk has capitalized on our nostalgia for glass bottled milk and the ongoing trend towards shopping local and recycling with their fantastic milk trailer vending machines where you can return your empty glass bottles for reuse. The family have been farming the land 2 miles outside of Kilmacolm for over 100 years and their Holstein Friesian cows are the oldest herd in the UK. You will find Moovin’ Milk in Kilmacolm on Tuesdays and Fridays, at Gowanlea on Wednesdays and Sundays and Lochwinnoch on Mondays and Thursdays. Heritage Farmers Market – Lochwinnoch

Sean Middleton, owner of the Heritage Farmers Market, is a fantastic champion of local products. During the pandemic he ensured, as far as possible, that supply lines remained open and kept his store fully stocked with fantastic produce. A gazebo was erected outside to account for queues in bad weather. He kept locals updated on stock via facebook and his efforts were recognised in the Herald’s Local Heroes pages. A great effort in trying times. Lochwinnoch Soap Company – Lochwinnoch

This small, admired business kept the villagers supplied with beautiful natural soap when the supermarkets were selling out. Their soap is chemical free and produced using a traditional cold process. In summer, with soap demand at an all-time high, owner Fiona went out of her way to get her produce to customers by beginning a free local post-box drop. Find Lochwinnoch Soap on Facebook Ania’s Flowers

Starting a business during lockdown is a brave move, but Ania’s flowers have gone from strength to strength. Maybe we all needed something to brighten up our days. You will find Ania’s Flowers at Colin Love’s Fishmonger, Kilmacolm, and the Heritage Farmers Market in Lochwinnoch. Her flowers come mostly from local growers, so it is another great way to ‘shop local’. Ania’s Flowers is also on Facebook