Taymouth Mains Courtyard Project
Take four successful entrepreneurial couples, throw in some modern architecture, great food and a stylish home accessories shop and you’ve got the formula for Kenmore’s newly opened Mains of Taymouth Courtyard retail and restaurant development.
The idea was hatched two years ago by localites Robin and Irena Menzies, who have already built a glowing reputation with their 9-hole golf course, campsite and self-catering accommodations in Kenmore.
They began informal talks with Henry and Marion Murdoch, who moved to Aberfeldy from Edinburgh several years ago after adopting their two boys. Both had enjoyed long retail careers at John Lewis in Edinburgh. Henry, who was born and raised in Aberfeldy, and Glasgow-born Marion, were eager to launch their own business and two years ago started Chorebusters, which they turned into a big hit. (It is now managed for the Murdochs by Alec Edwards.) |
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Just as Robin and Irena were brainstorming with the Murdochs about their ideas for Mains of Taymouth, Henry and Marion were getting the itch to return to retail. “We missed the interaction with customers,” says Marion. “We’ve always dealt with people in what we’ve done and enjoyed it.”
Partnering with the Murdochs, who run the deli and homewares shop, are long-time Scottish friends Elaine and Colin Burns. Colin, an industrial designer, attended the Royal College of Art in London and created the logo, helped design the website and assists with marketing; Elaine, a chiropodist and reflexologist, assists with product selection and marketing. “I think there’s an untapped demand for good contemporary design in Highland Perthshire,” says Colin. “My experience in the design industry tells me that families are looking to mix and match a traditional look with modern homeware and furniture.”
The four friends used their retail and design know-how to set up colourful window displays and shelves chockablock with modern and unusual items, from colourful cookware to bean bag dog beds. “When we decided to do the deli, we thought home accessories were a natural for the shop,” says Henry. “People are entertaining more at home and the kitchen has become important again.”
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