Castle Street Coffee CIC was established as a social enterprise in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, with the aim of creating a welcoming community coffee shop and cafe and youth-focused space which uses income generated through trading to support young people with employability skills and enhance confidence, mental health and wellbeing. During the first financial year, the company focused primarily on the development and establishment of the project. This included a refurbishment project of the former Castle Cafe building at 5 Castle Street, Huntly, sourcing equipment and funding, and developing the operating model for the coffee shop and associated youth provision. The first phase of the refurbishment was to create a take-away hatch with outdoor seating, which became operational in April 2026. Phase two is still underway as we continue refurbishments inside the cafe. Impact since April 2026 includes, working with 12 Kings Trust students at The Gordon Schools, Huntly who created a survey and helped with tasks at the coffee shop for 6 weeks. 8 young people from The Gordon Schools came to the coffee shop as part of their alternative curriculum. 18 young people have volunteered over the summer holidays, learning barista skills, making iced drink and serving the public, learning customer service skills. A central purpose of the company is to provide opportunities for young people to develop confidence, wellbeing, employability and practical workplace skills within a supportive community environment. Plans were developed for young people to gain experience within the coffee shop, including customer service, hospitality and barista-related skills, alongside opportunities to participate in wider wellbeing and personal-development activities. The company also developed plans for a dedicated youth space associated with the coffee shop, providing young people with a safe and welcoming place to meet, socialise, study and participate in wellbeing activities and support. This was partly funded by the National Lottery and became operational in April 2026. 30 plus young people have used the youth shed so far, during school lunch times, after school and in the holidays, including senior pupils for study sessions and Barnardo’s and Aberdeen City Council has used the space for family contact. Castle Street Coffee CIC was established on the principle that commercial trading through the coffee shop will contribute towards the long-term sustainability of these community activities, allowing income and surpluses to be reinvested in activities which benefit young people and the wider community, including paid work experience placements, training, qualifications and access to free coaching and mental health support. During this initial development period, the directors contributed significant voluntary time towards establishing the organisation, developing partnerships, securing resources and preparing the premises and project for delivery.

The company’s stakeholders include young people and their families in Huntly and the surrounding area, local residents, schools, community organisations, funders and other organisations supporting young people. Some of the consultation activities include: September 2024 Public Consultation held during the Huntly Hairst at the former Castle Cafe building sharing our aspirations for Castle Street Coffee CIC (supported by 200 plus local residents). Collaboration with NESCANs Just Transition Communities Project in March 2025 (a number of shared priorities and aspirations align with Castle Street Coffee CIC), who helped us with a co-creation facilitated by the Community Chartering Network, to design and shape what the youth space would look like. Consultation with 20 young people from The Gordon Schools Huntly, via Full Colour Coaching, where young people involved in wellbeing and coaching programmes shared what they would like to see in the youth space, such as a pool table, comfy sofas, gaming station, books and games. Coffee Morning held in June 2025 (supported by 150 plus participants and raised £1,000). Letters of support from The Gordon Schools, Head Teacher, Phil Gaitor, Deveron Projects Co-Director, Matthew Evans, Community Champion, Theresa Lee, and Local Foster Carer. August 2025 Public Survey Results (supported by 94plus responses and still ongoing). September 2025 Public Consultation held during the Huntly Hairst, sharing our progress and gathering feedback from the community what food and drinks they would like to see at the new coffee shop. We handed out over 150 Peach Iced Teas for donations and raised £200. A place where the younger generation can feel they can go to. Love love love the fact that there will also be a place for specialty coffee - this doesn't exist in Huntly. We usually travel 20 to 30mins to get a decent coffee and now there's somewhere practically on our door step - brilliant This is needed for the youth of Huntly but also needed to help secure the future of Huntly as a town. Castle Cafe is a Iconic in Huntly, good to see it coming back to life. I love that you're doing something positive for the young people of Huntly. Fabulous project. There is nowhere offering this in Huntly that appears inclusive for all. The development of Castle Street Coffee CIC has been informed by engagement and conversations with young people, families, members of the local community and organisations working with young people. This engagement has helped the directors identify local needs and consider how the coffee shop and associated youth provision can provide meaningful opportunities for young people. Particular consideration has been given to creating an environment which young people feel comfortable accessing and which provides opportunities to build confidence, social skills, wellbeing and employability skills in a supportive and inclusive setting. Feedback and discussions with stakeholders have helped shape the development of the project, including plans for a dedicated youth space alongside the coffee shop where young people can socialise but also access early intervention wellbeing and coaching support in a non-clinical environment, and the development of practical volunteering, training and work-experience opportunities for young people. The company intends to continue consulting with young people, customers, families, community organisations and other stakeholders as the project develops, using their feedback to inform future services and activities, particularly as we progress with the refurbishment inside the coffee shop.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration