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From Bijou to BIG!

Alex Expands to Cover the

Whole of Highland Perthshire

Since taking over the Food For Thought Deli in West Moulin Road, Pitlochry over 2 ½ years ago, Alec Cruikshank has continued steadily to expand his thriving family business.  Twelve months back he took on the farmshop at Highland Adventure Safaris in Dull where, as widely acknowledged, he has operated a most successful deli, farmshop and café.  A glutton for opportunity, he has now acquired  the substantial Menzies of Dunkeld, on Atholl Street. 

Responding to an approach by the owners, Alec felt that this well established deli (60 years in business) with its spacious premises would allow him dramatically increase his lines, and rationalise his stock management and distribution between his three outlets.

“The Cheese Directory”

In particular all three shops are now carrying a huge range of hand cut cheeses, -over 70 in total, of which 40 are Scottish and according to their suppliers they have one of the best selections of Scottish Cheeses in any delicatessen in Scotland. 

Much to the appreciation of his customers he has now introduced  “The Cheese Directory” in each shop, so choosing a cheese to suit wideranging tastes has been made greatly easier. 

Employment

This family enterprise now employs 14 staff over the three shops, although Alec is looking to recruit a further two experienced, full time staff with the offer of all year round employment to the successful candidates. 

Alec’s father, Dr David Cruikshank, is retiring from the GP practice in Pitlochry and is also looking forward to playing an active part in the family business.  Alec’s wife Sarah helps out with the home delivery side, taking along their two daughters, who love to help, Ffion especially likes to arrange the fruit and veg. 

Alec told Comment “Add them all together, and you end up with three of the most well-stocked Delicatessens in quite a distance.  This latest expansion has really put us on the map in the three main settlement areas of Highland Perthshire.  “Of course our expansion doesn’t stop here, watch this space” said Alex. 

The Scottish Deli retails online at www.scottish-deli.co.uk as well as over the counter.Besides the goods available in store, the Deli also provides vegetable box deliveries and luxury hampers and provides for summer picnics, seasonal and Christmas hampers and catering for private events and lodge dining at estates during the shooting season.

For details Alec can be contacted at Dunkeld on 01350 728028, Aberfeldy on 01887 822821 or Pitlochry on 01796 473322.

Linda Thomson’s photo above shows Alec at the counter of his latest outlet in Dunkeld