The Oystercatcher Bakery

A passionate home baker has opened her own café in North Uist after accessing support from Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business advisory service. 

Based in the Claddach Kirkibost Centre, The Oystercatcher Bakery specialises in a range of handcrafted sourdough baked goods, including cakes and delicate pastries.

The café also offers freshly brewed coffee and a selection of premium teas.

Ewa Konieczna, who previously worked as an HR consultant, had always wanted to open her own café after baking as a hobby in her spare time. She approached Business Gateway last summer with an idea to open her very own café where customers could enjoy a range of her baked goods.

Through Business Gateway, Ewa accessed a range of start-up support, including one-to-one guidance from a dedicated business adviser, as well as advice on her business plan and funding.

Ewa also accessed funding and mentoring support from the Outer Hebrides Youth Enterprise Programme, which is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Business Gateway.

Through Business Gateway, Ewa also benefitted from funding from the Outer Hebrides Young Enterprise Support Scheme, which is funded by Highlands and Island Enterprise and delivered by Business Gateway.

This funding allowed Ewa to purchase vital equipment to get the business started and also provided support with essential revenue costs.

Since launching in January, The Oystercatcher Bakery has become very popular with locals in the area. Ewa has now increased her opening hours over the summer months to accommodate visitors and has hired her first member of staff to keep up with demand.

Ewa Konieczna, Owner, The Oystercatcher Bakery, said: “It’s been a dream of mine to open up my own café for such a long time now, and the support from Business Gateway has really helped to make that my reality. I can’t thank them enough for the support and the invaluable funding, which has helped me get my feet off the ground.”

Alastair Macleod, Business Gateway adviser, said: “It’s been great to see The Oystercatcher Bakery receive such a warm welcome from the community. I’m sure Ewa’s delicious sweet and savoury treats will continue to prove popular for visitors in the months ahead.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit Business Gateway’s website.