"We hope to put the spark back into the Ashgrove": Insch couple reveal plans bring iconic Ashgrove truck stop back to Cairnie
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A LOCAL couple have revealed their plans to bring an iconic local truck stop and restaurant back to life.
Sean and Jade Buchan, who live in Insch, are currently applying for planning application to re-instate the former Ashgrove truck stop on the A96.
Jade said: "Sean grew up in Cairnie close to the Ashgrove, so he saw it at it's prime. It was an iconic place and he knew how much the local and wider community enjoyed going there.
"It was heartbreaking to see it dwindle into nothing and it became Sean's dream to run the Ashgrove and go that step further than before to make it a proper establishment for lorry drivers by providing proper shower facilities.
"Since Brexit and during Covid we have needed the lorry drivers, they were the heroes that kept that country going.
"It then highlighted the severe lack of facilities to support lorry drivers so, while bringing back the iconic Ashgrove restaurant that will serve up hearty, traditional meals, we also wanted to be able to provide those facilities that lorry drivers need including shower and laundry facilities."
The Ashgrove was one of the only signposted services along the A96 and closed around 10 years ago, but the young couple hope to return the site to it's former glory.
Although it will be a big change for Sean, who is a mechanic at KNC Groundworks and Jade, who is currently on maternity leave with the couple's seven-month-old son Harry, they are excited for the future.
Jade said: "We are both so excited and hopeful to be able to bring jobs to the local community, money to the local economy and offer the required services to lorry drivers, and anyone else who may need to use them.
"We will aim to provide a place to meet and eat with friends, family, colleagues or just a person and their dog. We hope to put the spark back into the Ashgrove."
The Ashgrove's return will be delivered by north-east architectural design firm John Wink Designs.
In a statement the firm said: "The well-known Ashgrove restaurant and truck stop is set to be resurrected at Cairnie.
"The former restaurant and truck stop ceased operation circa 10 years ago and has been sorely missed.
"The building became dilapidated and sadly was demolished.
"A young, enthusiastic, local couple are set to apply for planning permission to reinstate what was once a very popular and well regarded truck stop and café/restaurant.
"In these challenging times, it’s hugely refreshing and encouraging to see a community spirited proposal of this nature.
"Please get behind the proposal when it becomes live on the Aberdeenshire Council website, and of course please leave comments with ourselves on what you would like to see at the all new Ashgrove.
