Independent food business is a batch of success

About the business

Katag’s Kitchen was recently launched in Rodel by islander Kayreen Macmillan after she accessed a tailored package of start-up support which included 1:1 advice and routes to funding. The service helped Kayreen purchase a cabin and successfully launch her business, catering for the growing number of visitors in the area.  

Dating back to the 1930s, the house built at 1 Rodel has long since been associated with great home cooking and wholesome baking. Kayreen, inspired by her grandmother and great grandmother, wanted to launch a food outlet on the family croft and contacted Business Gateway for help to get started. 

How Business Gateway has helped

With the support of a dedicated adviser, Kayreen developed her business plan and identified grant opportunities that she could apply for. Through Business Gateway, Kayreen accessed a grant through the Outer Hebrides Young Entrepreneurs Fund (OHYESS), fully funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered by Business Gateway. This funding allowed Kayreen to invest in a cabin and essential equipment required to start the business, such as commercial soup kettles, a hot display case, a fridge and a coffee machine.    

Additionally, through the continued support of Business Gateway, Kayreen was awarded a further grant through the Comhairle’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Grant Scheme (CERGS). This allowed the business to produce marketing materials such as branded roadside flag banners and create a professional logo and labels, as well as purchase benches and picnic tables for guests to rest at.    

The cabin is situated on the family croft and offers passers-by an idyllic pit-stop which has proven popular with residents and visitors alike, and has resulted in Kayreen working full time at Katag’s Kitchen. 

Kayreen Macmillan, Founder, Katag’s Kitchen said: “For a long time I had wanted to share my family recipes with residents and visitors to the island. Business Gateway has been incredibly helpful in making that dream a reality. Their expert advice was crucial starting up, and the funding we received has gone towards the initial costs of the business.    

“Katag’s Kitchen is now thriving, and we are looking forward to a busy summer season ahead.”