LANDMARK HIGHLANDS BUSINESS TO CLOSE ITS DOORS

After nearly a quarter of a century, Sutton Forest’s renowned Scottish shop, A Little Piece of Scotland, will soon be an ‘Auld Acquaintance’: not forgotten, but remembered fondly.

Proprietor and shortbread-baker Nerida Barnsley, has decided on a change of pace and location.

“Our business has been a joy--not just as a very special retail shop, but also for the vast variety of events we have run over the years. Examples include the Sutton Forest Scottish Medieval Market Days, the Eve of Brigadoon Banquets, our Irish Days, and the Silver Tassie International

piping contest.

“Dealing with craftspeople in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, in Ireland and in Scandinavia, and with our local suppliers, has forged many friendships.

“ And meeting tens of thousands of appreciative visitors to Sutton Forest over the years has added richness and texture to our personal ‘tartan’ of life’s journey.

“It’s now time for me to join Garry in retirement, and enjoy a change of direction. We will travel, read, paint, and tend the vegetable garden.

“The Sutton Forest business will close on June 30 following a clearance sale throughout May and June. Our friends and customers are invited to our Final Fling at Sutton Forest on Sunday June 27.

“The heritage building that now houses A Little Piece of Scotland will eventually find new use in the hands of a future owner.

“After a refreshing break, A Little Piece of Scotland will re-emerge closer to home, in a smaller way, in the Mittagong Antiques Centre. We’ll specialise in antique Scottish jewellery, classic gold and silver jewellery from Scotland, Ireland and Norway, rare china and glass, as well as a selection of fine woollens, tartans and Scottish pictures and mementoes.

“Retirement also means that I will no longer be baking commercial quantities of shortbread!

“Although I will always have a shortbread stall at the Bundanoon Highland Gathering, I will not be baking on a regular basis.

“I’m sorry to disappoint my regular loyal customers for my home-made shortbread and Dundee cakes but hope they will understand the personal toll of baking late into the night, week after week, year after year.

“To all our wonderful staff and customers we wish the Scots’ traditional toast of health and happiness: SLAINTE!”

Nerida Barnsley OAM

A Little Piece of Scotland

Home Ph/Fax 4871 2060