The rebuild at Fairways Business Park in Inverness is now complete, more than a year after a building on the site was destroyed in a deliberate fire. The replacement development, approved by Highland Council and finished on a 16-week build, cost more than £800,000 in total — higher than the £432,250 figure originally put forward with the building warrant.
The original building housed several local businesses, including SJ Travel Centre, Scottish Premium Seafoods, a Harry Gow bakery, and hairdressers Hair Chic and Hair for Men. It was gutted after a car was rammed into the property and set alight shortly before midnight on 9 March 2025.
The new building has four units, down from six before the fire, though each now comes with its own toilet and kitchen. Harry Gow bakery is returning as a tenant, and City Barbers — opening a second Inverness location — has moved into one of the new units, adding three staff for the opening. Site owner Ewan McFarlane said: “I am delighted to see it completed. I think the developers have made an excellent job.” Talks are also under way with an Italian gelato business, Miele’s Gelateria, over one of the remaining units.
Two men, Jason Gallacher, 38, from Armadale, and Jack Ventham, 34, from Livingston, were charged in connection with the fire with wilful fire-raising and knowingly possessing stolen property. Both appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court and were committed for further examination; as of this update, the case remains before the courts with no verdict yet reported.
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Source: Inverness Courier.
