The Highlands’ most unusual business model, a local art and specialist wine shop, is closing its doors.
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Ten Thousand Paces is set to trade for the final day on Thursday, January 25.
Owner of the space, Hamish Ta-Me, said the experience of setting up the shop had been “amazing”, but he could no longer afford to “just break-even” in light of high rental prices.
“It’s a shame to close down, but it is what it is,” he said.
“We’ve been incredibly successful on one level, and on another level… well I think it’s a slightly niche product for a reasonably small regional town.”
“But we’ve launched a new art exhibition every two weeks for three and a half years… that’s more than 70 exhibitions – that means artists who have been able to build their exposure and gain momentum in their careers.”
But Ta-Me said the concept of Ten Thousand Paces was not dead yet.
“We will be online, and I’ll also be doing pop-ups around the Highlands,” he said.
“I’m also going to offer catering of specialty wines for events, like weddings.”
“It’ll be kind of like a ‘floating ten thousand paces’.”
There will be a “very casual” farewell event after close of business on the Thursday, January 25, from 5pm, where anyone with a connection or interest in the space is invited to have a drink and some nibbles.