Inside Kirk & Co. with founder Erica Macpherson

For those discovering it for the first time, what is Kirk & Co?

Kirk & Co. is a restored Highland church reimagined into an interior and homeware shop, interior design studio and café. Rooted in the landscapes, craftsmanship and spirit of the Highlands, it is a place to gather, browse and be inspired. At its heart, it’s about creating a modern expression of Highland living - welcoming, hospitable and full of character.

What drew you to this particular church building?

We have a strong connection to the Highlands, and the Black Isle felt like the right place for us. When we first saw the church, built in 1886, we were struck by both its architecture, beautiful ceiling, and its potential. The size and character of the building allowed us to imagine multiple businesses working together under one roof, but what really resonated was its history as a community hub - and our desire to carry that spirit forward.

How have you approached the renovation of a building from 1886?

Our approach has always been to respect the building rather than reinvent it. Its Gothic architecture is so distinctive that we chose to work with it, not against it - even drawing inspiration from it in our branding. By using local trades and repurposing original features like the pews and pulpit, we’ve aimed to preserve the building’s story while giving it a new life.

How do the studio, shop, and café work together?

The three elements - studio, shop and café - really feed into one another. Our design studio, INTERIOR35, has shaped the look and feel of the shop, sourcing and creating pieces that reflect our style. We also want the space to feel open and welcoming, so our fabric and wallpaper libraries will be available for people to browse, not hidden away. Someone might come in for a coffee, discover something they love in the shop, and then start thinking about their own home - and that’s exactly the kind of connection we hope to create.

Having Bubble & Goose running the café feels like a natural partnership. They share our appreciation for Highland produce and local roots, and their approach fits perfectly with what we’re trying to build here.

What do you want people to experience when they visit?

We want people to experience a sense of warmth and belonging when they visit, to know they’re in the Highlands - somewhere they can wander, pause and feel inspired. The building itself has such presence, and we’ve tried to create an atmosphere that feels calm, welcoming and full of character.

Whether someone comes in for a coffee, to browse the shop or to talk about their home, we hope they leave with new ideas, a sense of connection, and the feeling that they’ve discovered somewhere a little bit special.

Favourite spot to visit nearby?

My favourite place to visit nearby is Glen Affric. For me, it feels like Scotland in miniature -mountains, loch and ancient Caledonian pine all in one breath-taking landscape. It’s an idyllic retreat and a place that always leaves me feeling restored and inspired.