AN ice-cream struggle has damaged out within the Highlands the place a brand new dealer is making 86 mile return journeys to work on a rival’s route.
Kevin Mulligan, from Kinlochleven, began his enterprise, Mulligan Ices, in Fort William final yr as a result of there was no ice-cream van working there.
However now newcomer Donna MacIver, from Mallaig, is making the 2 hour return journey from her house to promote ice-cream on Kevin’s established routes in Fort William.
READ MORE: Irvine ice-cream store Vanilla Joe’s topped the perfect in Scotland
Kevin, forty six, stated: “I began final yr as a result of there had been no ice-cream van right here for a couple of years and there was a niche.
“I heard a couple of weeks in the past that she had began up however I assumed – they’re in Mallaig, forty three miles away from Fort William, I assumed good luck to you.”
As a goodwill gesture he advised Donna she might tackle an ice-cream run he was masking, to the outlying rural communities of Achaphubuil and Ardgour, that are on a again street, off the primary Fort William to Mallaig street.
READ MORE: Man ‘urinates’ on Rice Krispies manufacturing line in vile footage probed by police
He stated: “As a result of she was beginning up I assumed it was solely truthful to have good will to her and to let her do these runs, in order to not step on her toes.
“The subsequent factor I do know she jumped on my route in Fort William, happening the Monday on the route that I do on a Tuesday.”
He stated he had gone to Mallaig to speak to his rival however stated: “She stated principally – we will go the place we would like as a result of our licence permits us to go the place we would like.
“However generally, throughout the nation, if a van is on a route one other van doesn’t go in to do it as a result of it causes issues.”
When Kevin posted a message to let his clients know what was happening messages of help flooded again.
John Cullen posted the message: “I’ll be sure that my youngsters and my household and pals solely purchase from you mate.”
Tricia Landsborough added: “Will all the time stick with utilizing your van, gained’t be entertaining the opposite one.”
And Claire Cameron stated: “I did marvel why I might hear the ice cream van two days in a row in Caol. I’m glad you might have spoke out about this as I’ll be sure that it’s solely you I exploit.”
READ MORE: Cereal chiller as horrified teen discover lifeless bat in her Rice Krispies
Donna stated: “No remark, I don’t need to become involved, I needed to get the police concerned.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman stated: “Appropriate recommendation was given to each events, it wasn’t a grievance and no additional motion was taken.”
Kevin stated: “There’s not sufficient room for 2 vans, a few vans which have arrange have failed.
“I work night time and day, seven days every week in the summertime to make a dwelling.
“I’m now going to return on my route that I gave her to Achaphubuil and Ardgour as a result of clients have been messaging me to return again.
“My Fb web page has had 6000 views from the native space since I put it on Fb, individuals are speaking about it.”
Prime information tales at present
1
of eight