One of Inverness’s most successful independent food businesses is preparing to open its fourth outlet, marking another milestone in a remarkable 13 year journey that began with a small bakery in Cradlehall.
The Three Little Bakers Ltd has announced plans to expand into Milton of Leys, bringing its award winning products to a growing community while continuing a story of steady local growth and national recognition.
The business was founded in 2013 when Paddy and Jane Murphy took over a small bakery in Cradlehall with support from Highland Opportunity Investments Ltd, the Highland Council’s business loan company.
That early backing helped establish what has since become one of the Highlands’ best known bakery brands.
A second major step came in 2018 when the company expanded into larger premises at Harbour Road in Inverness’s Longman Industrial Estate.
Additional support from Highland Opportunity Investments Ltd allowed the business to increase both wholesale production and retail capacity as demand continued to grow.
The company opened its third outlet on Tomatin Road in Hilton in July 2021, creating new employment opportunities and expanding its presence across the city.
Today, The Three Little Bakers employs around 40 people and has earned recognition well beyond the Highlands.
Its achievements include being named Scottish Baker of the Year 2022/23, cementing its reputation as one of Scotland’s leading craft bakeries.
The business has also built a reputation for investing in its workforce, supporting more than 20 employees through the National Food and Drink Training Apprenticeship Programme.
Its latest expansion comes after securing a building warrant from The Highland Council for a new shop at Leys Square in Milton of Leys.
The new outlet is expected to strengthen the company’s presence across Inverness while bringing its products closer to customers in one of the city’s fastest growing communities.
Highland Opportunity Investments Ltd has welcomed the announcement and pointed to the bakery’s success as an example of what can be achieved when local businesses are given the support needed to grow.
Councillor Jackie Hendry, Chair of Highland Opportunity Investments Ltd, said:
“We welcomed the opportunity to help Paddy and Jane at The Three Little Bakers Limited, at their initial start of their business, with a HOIL loan.
“Since then, The Three Little Bakers have gone from strength to strength and are about to open their fourth outlet.
“Their rapid expansion has delivered quality service and employment opportunities throughout the Inverness area.
“Their attention to detail and what the customers want has resulted in awards and national recognition.
“At HOIL we recognise Paddy and Jane’s people focused drive to help employees further their careers by putting through at least twenty into the National Food and Drink Apprenticeship programme.
“We are delighted when we see companies grow and contribute in this way.
“The Opportunity Fund from HOIL provides accessible and affordable finance for start ups and growing businesses across the Highlands and is one of several funds we can use to help projects across the area.”
Paddy and Jane Murphy said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Highland Opportunity for the funding support they have given us over the past 13 years.
“Their support for small businesses across the north of Scotland is so important, and it is something we believe should be recognised and appreciated.
“Their belief in Jane and I, and in what we were trying to build, has meant so much to us.
“That encouragement has played a huge part in helping our bakery grow into the business we are so proud of today.
“We are now getting ready to open our fourth shop in Inverness, serving the Milton of Leys community.
“This is a very exciting step for us, and our whole team is committed to creating a shop that will be a real success and a welcoming part of the local area.”
You can find out more about the support HOIL can provide on the HOIL website or Email
