A charity has delivered an assurance that an award-winning Angus social enterprise will not be allowed to close, despite fears over its future.
Darling’s coffee shop has been a successful fixture on Arbroath High Street since 2012 after being launched by the charity Enable Scotland.
The Big Lottery-funded initiative has helped provide training and employment opportunities for a number of young people with learning disabilities.
Their experience of working in the busy and popular coffee shop has helped them build employability skills and confidence, earning the set-up praise and accolades along the way.
The training programme involves young people in preparation of locally-sourced produce, as well as front of house duties serving customers.
However, concerns have now emerged over the future funding of the caf.
Staff said they were unable to comment about the future, but one source told The Courier that there are worries the future of the operation is not assured.
The fears were dismissed by Enable Scotland, which said that while a new direction for the caf is being sought the doors will remain open.
The charity said a number of future options are being explored, including putting Darling’s on the market as a going concern.
Spokesman Willie Cairns said: “Enable Scotland is looking to find a sustainable future for Darling’s coffee shop and we feel that new ownership would provide a more supportable financial model.
“We are currently in discussion with a number of parties and hope to be able to put in place new management structures that will ensure a smooth transition for everyone concerned. These discussions cover a wide range of options for the future management of Darling’s, including selling it as a commercially viable business.
He added: “We will continue to deliver these vital services until new owners/managers are found.”
Darling’s was recognised in the Scottish Home Baking Awards 2013, where it won the Outstanding Achievement award, and the team proudly display the trophy in the cafe.
And the work of employees past and present was honoured during the baton relay for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games last year, when Jayne Burnett, Sarah Anderson, Kerry Duncan and Maria Orsi carried the baton through the town.