Page 26 of The Highland Game

“We’d pull in everyone craving a pint in the fresh air—locals, tourists, you name it—and once people get a taste for hanging out at the Bannock Hotel, they’ll hopefully keep coming back, even when the rain is coming sideways. That is how we make the snug busy. And it could bring in new crowds too, like hikers or cyclists in need of a pit stop. Oh, and families!”

“Families?” Lewis repeats sceptically.

“Aye, imagine a wee play area for kids so parents can relax with their pints without feeling guilty. Nothing massive, just a slide or some swings tucked into a corner somewhere. And ice cream! That’d be popular. We could stock locally made stuff. We could also add giant outdoor games—think Connect 4 or Jenga for kids and adults. Maybe string up fairy lights everywhere for the evenings. Oh! And fire pits—everyone seems obsessed with cosy vibes nowadays.”

Smiling, Emily scribbles hurried notes onto a pad, and that little boost sends me soaring even higher.

“And events!” I exclaim triumphantly. “Barbecues! Live music! Things to bring people through the doors.”

Lewis’s lips twitch into what might almost be approval. “You’ve really thought this through,” he admits grudgingly.

“You’re damn right I have. Turns out there’s more than just gaming strategies rattling around up here.” I tap my temple.

“Well, what do you think, Emily?” Lewis turns to her. “As our official event planner?”

She considers this. “We’d have to plan it carefully, of course. Wedding clients love using the garden for photos, and their guests enjoy mingling there after the ceremony with a glass of champagne in hand. Whatever we do would have to add to the garden’s charm, not detract from it. But honestly? This could totally work! The garden space is beautiful but it’s not being used to its full potential right now.”

“What about alcohol licensing for a beer garden?” Lewis asks cautiously.

Lucky for him—and thanks to ten minutes on Google—I’ve got that one covered too.

“We’d need an amended licence,” I tell him confidently. “But since we already serve champagne out there for weddings, it shouldn’t be too complicated.”

His sceptical expression softens further as he leans back in thought, but before he can say anything else, Elspeth pops her head around the door with her trademark knack for inserting herself into discussions no one invited her to.

“And what about me, eh?” she asks innocently before narrowing her eyes at Lewis in mock outrage. “Another meeting where my opinion doesn’t count?”

Emily stifles a laugh while Lewis lets out a long-suffering sigh, although there’s no mistaking the twinkle in his eye. “It’s not about missing you out,” he says diplomatically. “This doesn’t affect the restaurant—you’re running things perfectly there already! Guests are always raving about your food.”

Elspeth gives an emphatic nod. “Aye, and don’t you forget it. Although . . . I overheard something about a beer garden. Answer me this: who’s going to feed the hungry hordes if they show up expecting pints and pork chops, eh?”

Lewis blinks. “Oh, fair point. Well, take a seat, then. I suppose this meeting does involve you after all.”

We briefly fill Elspeth in on what we’ve discussed so far, and once she’s up to speed, she fixes me with a gaze that’s equal parts curiosity and mischief. “Look at you, Jamie, actually using that brain of yours for something useful. Maybe there’s more to you than just cheek and charm after all.”

“Aye,” Lewis agrees. “It’s amazing what happened when I finally gave him a boot up the backside. I should have tried it ages ago.”

I shoot him finger guns with zero shame because—let’s face it—he’s not wrong.

“Jamie, you do realise this would mean a lot more work for you, right?” Emily asks.

“Aye, I get that, but I want this to be my thing—my own wee project to sink my teeth into. Maybe I have been coasting a bit, but if you give me the green light, that changes. I’ll work hard at this because I know it could be something really special.”

Lewis snorts softly, though there’s no malice in it. “Didn’t think I’d live to see the day Jamie volunteered to take on extra responsibility.”

Emily nudges him. “Don’t scare him off now. But seriously, Jamie, if we say yes to this, are you sure you’re ready to take it on?”

“A hundred per cent. And you know what, there’s also a tasting event for local businesses coming up soon at the Glen Garve Distillery. I thought I’d pop along, chat to a few people, and see if I can’t work out some kind of deal with them that benefits both sides. We could maybe promote their tours more actively to our hotel guests if they can give us some kind of exclusive offering. The beer garden idea might just be the beginning. I may have more than one trick up my sleeve!”

“Another suggestion that’s not half bad,” Emily concedes.

“Not half bad?” I mock gasp. “Come on now—it’s at least three-quarters genius!”

“I’ll give you a quarter genius,” Emily deadpans, though a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. She turns to Lewis and tilts her head thoughtfully. “I think this could really work.”

Lewis rubs his jaw as he mulls it over. Eventually he nods, not enthusiastically—let’s not get carried away—but it’s definitely a nod. “You might be onto something with this.”

“It’s like I always say, miracles do happen,” Elspeth offers.