Cafe with workshop planned for Inverness
- Published
Laura Nicolson and Penny Phillips plan to open their cafe in the city centre
The winners of a business ideas competition plan to open a cafe with a workshop where cyclists can fix their bikes themselves or with expert help.
Penny Phillips and Laura Nicolson won top prize in the University of the Highlands and Islands' contest with their social enterprise idea in 2011.
They hope to launch the venture in the city centre.
Called Velocity, the cafe and workshop would be run by a not-for-profit company.
The women have submitted a Climate Challenge application to the Scottish government to try and secure funding for courses offering training in bike handling, maintenance and road safety.
At the cafe, a mechanic would offer assistance to cyclists visiting the workshop.
Ms Nicolson said: "There will be access to tools, workspace and expertise.
"The cafe will be unique with local, quality food and a comfortable, open and homely feeling."
She added: "This will create a hub for all cycling activities in and around Inverness for local people and visitors alike."