A restaurant and visitor centre opening this spring is set to create up to 20 jobs in the Tarves area.Formartine’s is a joint partnership between John Cooper, who owns The Smokehouse in Methlick, and Lord and Lady Aberdeen, proprietors of Haddo Estate.
The centre, which is set to open on 9 April, is expected to create a range of employment opportunities throughout the year for local people.
Ecological building techniques have been used throughout the construction process, using Scottish larch and granite from the site. All the wasted heat from the building is being recycled to produce hot water and the electricity for the building will come from local renewable power generation.
It’s estimated that more than 50% of produce for the retail and restaurant, including smoked fish, game and meats will be from The Smokehouse and Haddo Estate or sourced locally. Seasonally, some of the fruit and vegetables will be home grown in the estate’s walled garden.
Mr Cooper said: “Formartine’s is all about supporting the local community, from the suppliers in our restaurant to the building materials of the centre itself.
“We hope to not only help the local economy with this project, but also the local residents by opening up new employment opportunities.”
Story and Picture courtesy of Ellon Times Published on Friday 9 March 2012 17:00