Sir Robert Smith MP, Cllr Iris Walker, Paul Melling

Despite the dreich start to the day, Sir Robert Smith, MP’s summer tour was a great success after four days travelling around his constituency. One of the traditional stops Sir Robert has made over many years looks set to be the last as Millers of Midmar restaurant and retail outlet announced today that the company has gone into administration. Millers has been a popular destination for both the farming and the equestrian world as well as folks coming from near and far just for a cup of coffee and what some say “the best scone around” as well as a browse round the quality gift, clothes and book departments.

Around 40 staff are set to lose their jobs. Millers has employed many local people over the years and it is that friendliness and local knowledge shown by staff that no doubt attracted customers. I spoke to one of the longest-standing employees today and she said that Millers wasn’t just a place of work; it was a place to socialise, a community in itself. Despite the business being advertised on the open market, no investor has come forward. The restaurant has already been closed and the shop will remain open until stock is sold off.