Laggan Stores, in the heart of the Highlands, has closed its doors following a UK Home Office decision to deport the family behind the business.
As Scottish Grocer went to press, Jason and Christy Zielsdorf and their family were scheduled to leave the UK on 4 May following a Home Office ruling rejecting an application for an entrepreneurial visa.
The Zielsdorf family first moved to Scotland from Canada in 2008 and opened Laggan Stores Coffee Bothy, located 29 miles from Aviemore, in June 2015. The business is now being marketed by ASG Commercial as a “highly attractive property” in a “stunning setting surrounded by mountains”.
Jason Zielsdorf told Scottish Grocer the family had decided to create the Laggan Stores business when they identified a “need in the community”.
“We were looking for a business to get behind and we thought, let’s do it.”
Jason said the business had “facilitated community” in the area and turned into a “local hub”.
The cafe and store portion of the business ceased trading on 14 April, a move which Jason said was not driven by poor performance. “It’s small but it’s healthy,” he said.
Paul Hart, sales director at ASG Commercial said the Zielsdorfs have “invested heavily” into Laggan Stores since founding the business, “bringing life back into a much needed local resource”.
“This attractive property was operated as a cafe, local store and holiday accommodation and generating a sound reputation and contribution to the local economy when the Zielsdorfs’ dreams were smashed,” he said.
ASG marketing director Jackie MacGregor added that “all at ASG Commercial wish Jason and Christy all the very best in their lives back in Canada”.
