"We've done something really special" - Unique cafe to open in Aberdeen
The Greyhope Bay Centre will operate completely off-grid
Last updated 7th Apr 2022
A cafe that will operate completely off-grid is set to open on Saturday in Aberdeen.
The Greyhope Bay Centre at Torry Battery will run as a cafe, community and educational space, offering breathtaking views of the Aberdeen coast.
And it will be the first cafe in the city to operate off-grid, using using a hybrid energy solution, circular rainwater treatment technology, and composting loos that simply use sunlight and wind with no need for water, electricity or chemicals.
Managing Director and Founder of the Greyhope Bay Centre, Dr Fiona McIntyre, said: "We're trying to re-imagine and reshape our connection to the coast.
"We're trying to highlight this amazing spot at the south side of the city, where you can see dolphins almost every day.
"And we're trying to re energize and sort of breathe new life into this historic monument at Torry Battery."
How does a cafe operate off-grid?
"We've had challenges with the site for sure", added Dr McIntyre.
"Obviously, we're trying to stick to our values and the things that we want to make sure we do in the way we operate, so we have no access to power or water.
"So we've worked with local companies - JC energy have supplied us with solar and battery system that is hybrid.
"That means we're running off batteries during the day and if we don't have enough solar energy to recharge the batteries, there will be moments at which a generator kicks in, and just tops the batteries up, but that's never when we're operating as a cafe.
"The toilets don't need any water chemicals or anything like that. It's a really cozy, comfortable space - they look like little mini saunas."
Dr McIntyre has been working on the project for 10 years now after previously working as a marine scientist.
"We've done something really special here.
"I really think from this view, you can tell the story of Aberdeen and it's just it's such an achievement. And yeah, we're really proud of what we've done here."
Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.