A new independent cheese shop is set to open in Edinburgh, bringing more than 50 artisan cheeses from Scotland, the UK and Europe to the capital.
The Big Cheese will open its doors on Broughton Street in Edinburgh’s New Town on Saturday, August 1, ahead of this year’s Edinburgh Festival.
Founded by Edinburgh native Neil Cunningham, the shop will stock an extensive range of cheeses, with around half of them exclusive to the business.
Customers will be able to choose from cheeses smoked over whisky barrel chips, washed in red wine or brandy, or coated with garlic, herbs and chilli, alongside favourites including Isle of Mull cheddar, Gubbeen farmhouse cheese, parmesan and gorgonzola.
Seasonal cheeses will rotate throughout the year, while the shop will also sell crackers, chutneys, olives, wine and books dedicated to cheese.
The Big Cheese has created four new jobs, including the appointment of shop manager Mia Cowie.
The store also features a bespoke quartz serving counter known as The Cheese Board, where staff will cut, wrap and recommend cheeses for customers.
Regular tasting events are also planned to introduce visitors to new and unusual varieties.
Mr Cunningham is launching the business after spending 25 years working in the corporate sector in London and Edinburgh.
He said opening the shop is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
Mr Cunningham added that the venture had been made possible with the support of his husband, Nick Gulliver, alongside friends Kay Bennet, who helped with branding and design, and Ian Jow of Jow Property Services, who carried out the shop fit-out.
The Big Cheese will open from Tuesday to Sunday and joins Broughton Street's growing independent food scene alongside businesses including Vinette, L’Escargot Bleu, The Broughton and Lucky Yu.
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Neil Cunningham said: "After 25 years working in the corporate world in London and Edinburgh, I can’t wait to launch my own independent business and nurture my passion for cheese right here in my hometown.
"This is the first time in my career that I feel like I’m doing something that is entirely personal and true to me.
"I’m proud to be unveiling a really exceptional range of cheeses from around Scotland and further afield – many of which are not currently available to buy from any of Edinburgh's other speciality cheese shops.
"I want The Big Cheese to be far more than just an artisan cheese store.
"I want to create a relaxed and personal customer experience and a venue that will be part of local community life in the neighbourhood I call home."
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