According to local legend Mary, Queen of Scots, passed through a hamlet to the west of Inverness on a bright morning in August 1564 and exclaimed “C’est un beau lieu” – “It is a beautiful place”. So did charming Beauly receive its name and its fame, both of which persist today, with tourists from near and far being drawn to this attractive village, which is a perfect jumping off point for exploring deeper into the Scottish Highlands.
I’m Tara – delighted to be the proprietor of one of Beauly’s attractions, and one of the community’s most hospitable hotspots, situated in the heart of town: Corner on the Square, fondly known as COTS.
My brother and I took over this well-established business from the founders in 2022. Gary and Jacqui Williamson had been running COTS for nearly 2 decades and were ready to pass it on to new custodians, so we took up the baton and ran with it, continuing to build and grow on the legacy of quality, service and community that imbues the COTS brand.
Since January 2024, I’ve been sole owner of the business, which fills me with excitement and anticipation as to what the future may hold.
Local to the area, and a customer of Corner on the Square for 15 years, I bring a wealth of qualifications and experience into the business, along with a strong desire to showcase the fantastic array of Highland produce we have access to here in our Beauly Café, Delicatessen and Retail Food store, far and wide.
That’s why we now sell selected product lines, Highland hampers and gift cards here online, along with bookings for our special evening events.
What I enjoy most of all though is hosting visitors in person here at COTS. I’m ready with a warm welcome whether you come to eat, drink and be merry in our licensed café, browse for fine food and drink in our larder, delicatessen or fruit & veg store, or sample our seriously special stonebaked pizzas that are available to eat in or take-away.
With a career in banking and teaching behind her, followed by six years as a private chef in a local castle, before taking a leap into the commercial hospitality and food retail business.
With 25 years of international experience in hospitality (Scotland, Australia and the USA) decided to come home to the Highlands after 18 years away and join his sister Tara at COTS.
Neil, from Conon Bridge, started his career on the West coast of Scotland before taking up the position of Sous Chef at the esteemed Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye where they retained a Michelin Star for 3 years. This experience equipped him with an abundance of skills and creative flair which our team and customers benefit from everyday and is also the reason our evening events are such an outstanding success when Neil and his kitchen team really showcase their talent with our elevated fine dining style menu’s.
Neil joined COTS as it suited his family lifestyle with a wife and 3 children and allowed him more of a work/life balance, often difficult to achieve for Chefs in the hospitality industry.
A local lass from Beauly who left the area to study Law at Glasgow University, but decided city life was not for her! Joanna spent most of her teenage years working in the Priory Hotel across the road from COTS in all aspects of hotel life, particularly in Front of House. She lives and breathes Highland Hospitality and you will always find her with a welcoming smile and helpful hand.
Our longest serving member of staff and at the tender age of 21, Gemma is a super talented chef and Baker. Her lemon Meringue Cheesecake and Biscoff Millionaire literally have people running in the door of COTS to fight over the last piece!
On taking over COTS I’ve not only inherited a flourishing business, but one with a very loyal local following due to its reputation and strong company values which reflect the stoicism and resilience of the Highland people and producers that we serve.
No matter how much this business grows I am committed to keeping its heart in Beauly and maintaining its original values, which are:
In every interaction and decision
Suppliers & Staff
We’re more than just a business
we provide an authentic, memorable Highland experience
I value our customers and colleagues in equal measure, ensuring that our café and deli are at the heart of the local community, with affordable prices for all, and menus made from scratch with quality, local ingredients, fresh every day.
All our staff encourage and welcome visitors passing through Beauly on their way to explore the N500 route, to seek out our legendary golf courses or simply discover the delights of our spectacular lochs and landscapes.
Wherever you are, near or far, we’ll make sure you enjoy an unforgettable taste of special Scottish fare and a touch of “coorie” (an old Scot’s word meaning snuggling down to simple pleasures after a busy day).
CORNER ON THE SQUARE
1 High St,
Beauly IV4 7BY,
Scottish Highlands, UK
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