They say you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink – however an entrepreneurial woman is hoping her quirky business will have customers galloping along to her converted horsebox to quench their thirst and have a bite to eat.
Fiona Fraser has transformed the former equine trailer into a mobile kitchen called The Drouthy Mare and is now permanently parked at the Findhorn Bridge, next to K9 Deli and Housby Motors.
Here, where there was recently a similar coffee trailer venture, Fiona sells fresh ground coffee and all hot drinks. On the food side, she has bacon, sausage, steak, Lorne sausage, egg and cheese rolls, and home bakes.
She said buying from local suppliers is important: “Everything is cooked to order so it doesn’t get any fresher. We use Macbeth’s Butchers, Maclean’s Bakery, and Silver Thistle Treat boxes, which are all in Forres.
“We use Stornoway Black Pudding, Inverness Highland Roasting Company for coffee and we have our own free-range eggs.
“We also do a range of outdoor ornaments for the garden, made to order as well.”
Fiona said Findhorn Bridge was in a prime position for passing trade, next to established business K9 Deli.
She added that she chose the name to be quirky and as a conversation starter for tourists.
The Drouthy Mare is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and although there is a grassy area with picnic benches, Fiona has a plan for when the weather isn’t so kind.
“We will take orders via text, WhatsApp, Facebook, over the phone as well as face-to-face so customers don’t have to stand about in the cold. They can stay in the warmth of their own car until it’s ready,” she said.