Couple move from the Scottish Highlands to take over running of Long Sutton pub, The Granary

A touch of Scottish Highlands hospitality is in store for regulars and newcomers at a Long Sutton pub.

Donald and Sheena Clark travelled more than 520 miles from their previous home in the Scottish village of Lairg, known as "the crossroads to the north" to take on the running of The Granary in Market Street.

The couple, who took over from previous landlady Dana Portass a month ago, spent 25 years together working in Scottish hospitality industry where they looked after guests on holiday in the Highlands region.

Donald said: "Our background is in looking after Highland sports estates where people would come for deer stalking, salmon fishing and grouse shooting.

"Sheena would look after the lodges and holiday houses, while I was looking after the sporting side of things.

"People would come up to the Highlands and stay at a lodge for the week when, if they needed cooks or housekeepers, Sheena would sort it out.

"We were dealing with the public, as we are now, making sure that they were relaxing and enjoying themselves in the Scottish Highlands."

The couple admitted that their move away from Scottish Highlands hospitality to an English pub came out of a desire for change.

Sheena said: "We knew where Lincolnshire was because I have a cousin who lives in Lincoln.

"So when we saw that The Granary was available to lease, we came down several time to speak to people and try the food, even though no one knew who we were and why we there.

"It was a complete change of location and lifestyle, certainly for Donald.

"But as soon as we drove into Long Sutton, I thought 'I love it'".

Donald and Sheena have vowed to take a gradual and considered approach to running The Granary, rather than change anything too quickly.

"We're assessing things at the moment as we've inherited all of the staff who are quite popular," Donald said.

"There are similarities to what we did before because we're still in the hospitality industry where you have to be sociable.

"People need to feel as if you want them there and that you're willing to chat to them."

Sheena said: "Long Sutton is a huge contrast to where we lived before and what I love about the town is the big sky here.

"People have welcomed us and we're enjoying it here."

Dana said: "Donald and Sheena are really nice and we truly wish them all the success in the world.

"I know that everyone in Long Sutton have welcomed them with open arms and they will continue supporting The Granary."