Rose Street Foundry to close due to rising costs
Cairngorm Brewery say they're making the call with a "heavy heart"
Last updated 2nd Sep 2022
An Inverness pub say they've been forced to close due to rising business costs.
The Rose Street Foundry went through a number of temporary closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, after opening just days following the virus hitting the UK in March 2020.
Managed by Cairngorm Brewery, the pub and restaurant re-opened in August 2021.
However, it has been confirmed they are closing their doors and will look for a new tenant to take over the Academy Street premises.
Closure decision taken with "a heavy heart"
Formerly owned by AI Welders and known to be one of the most historic landmarks in Inverness, the building was purchased in 2013 and received £1 million worth of funding from the Inverness Heritage Trust.
Initially built in the 19th century, several aspects of the building's transformation pays homage to its industrial heritage.
Despite re-opening last year and holding a number of successful events, Cairngorm Brewery Managing Director Sam Faircliff says rising energy and staffing costs have meant they can't go on.
She said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to close the doors at Rose Street Foundry.
"We purchased the historic yet dilapidated building in 2013 and spent two challenging years carefully restoring the listed building with the support of Inverness Heritage Trust together with our own investment totalling £2.2m.
"Unfortunately COVID-19 struck just days after opening and now, like the rest of the industry, we are faced with escalating staff and energy costs and a Cost of Living crisis that is impacting the people money have to spend on leisure.
"While I am devastated for the team, who worked so hard to develop and open the building, I am really proud to have restored a building that is a true gem in the city.
"Cairngorm Taverns, who own the freehold of the building and I will now work tirelessly to find a new tenant for the premises."