Future of popular beach café at Nairn to be decided

The future of the popular Strathnairn Beach Cafe - also known as the links tea room - will be decided this week.

Proposals for the tea room to be granted a 30-year lease will be decided by Highland councillors on Thursday.

Tenants John and Alexander Main Bochel want the security of a longer term agreement so they can invest in the property and see a return on their money.

The current lease expires in less than 10 years.

A report to the council's Nairnshire committee states: "They have approached the council with a request to consider granting a long lease of 30 years which will give them the security of committing to a programme of investment in this site.

"The longer length of lease proposed would allow them to see a return on their investment.

"This investment may include the future replacement of the building with a more modern structure in keeping with the overall development proposals of the links.

"However, there are no plans for this yet."

During a public consultation the plan was welcomed as the tea room was described as vitally important for the local tourist offering, while some called for it to become a listed building.

The tenants have agreed to meet the costs associated with the consultation and court proceedings required for the lease, effectively making it cost-free for the council while safeguarding income for the Nairn Common Good Fund from the rent of the asset.

Separately councillors will also rule on the future for a dilapidated building located near the tea room.

Proposals include demolishing it, returning the land to community space or trying to repurpose it, as suggested by Nairn West and Suburban Community Council.

Demolition of the old structure would cost around £5800 which would have to be paid for by the Nairn Common Good Fund.