Local Heroes: The Couthy Corner
In the historic surroundings of John Cowane’s Hospital, in the heart of Stirling’s Old Town, Marion Gaughan and her nephew Francis McKeown run the Couthy Corner, a coffee shop with a heart-warming tale all its own…
Marion and Francis have come together from very different backgrounds to open their ‘warm, welcoming and atmospheric’ coffee shop in June 2016. Marion was an educational support worker with Stirling Council. Francis was a busy sound engineer. But in January 2016, Francis’s beloved wife Shona died of a brain tumour. A musician with the Royal Marines Band, Shona had been due to retire in February of this year. But she never saw that date. Unable to realise her dream of running a little coffee shop of her own, Francis and Marion decided to make that dream a reality in Shona’s memory. And so the Couthy Corner came into being.
John Cowane’s Hospital has provided the business partnership with the perfect venue for their inspiring venture. Located in the City’s historic ‘Top o’ the Town’, Cowane’s Hospital (or Guild Hall) sits opposite the ancient Church of the Holy Rude and adjacent to the Old Town Cemetery. It’s a beautiful part of the City. It’s a favoured spot for tourists and well-trodden by the costumed guides of Stirling Walking Tours too.
We asked Marion where the inspiration for the coffee shop’s Scots name came from. ‘The Couthy Corner name came about from one of the rooms that customers can sit in to have coffee. It’s quite small, but has a lovely old fire place in it, and, when lit, the room is very cosy – or ‘couthy’ – in Scots. That’s why we decided on that name. Customers can also sit in the main Guild Hall which is very grand, and also there is seating outside.’
It’s a remarkable building to work in, and its lovely outdoor space has come into its own in the recent good weather. However, Marion explains there are exciting plans for the future. ‘The building is very beautiful, though, perhaps, a little tired looking at the moment. But it’s been awarded £2 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It’s due to be fully restored to its former glory very soon. Work starts October 2017.’
Marion is delighted that, by opening the coffee shop, she and Francis have essentially opened the door for tourists from all over the world to explore this historic building freely – and enjoy some great Scottish baking into the bargain. And, though their official launch wasn’t until June this year, it’s clear that the Couthy Corner has already become popular with locals and visitors alike. Judging by the wide smiles on their busy Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Thecouthiecorner/), they’ve many satisfied customers. ‘Our regulars love our home baking made for us by the lovely Jenny Dickinson,’ explains Marion. ‘Scones with clotted cream and jam are a favourite.’ Yum.
If ever you need proof that it’s never too late to make a dream come true, just head to the Couthy Corner. Order yourself a scone, sit back, and soak up the love.
A fabulous setting for afternoon tea outside
Photo credits: All photos courtesy and copyright of the Couthy Corner, https://www.facebook.com/Thecouthiecorner/
