The Macmillan Coffee and Gift Shop situated within Quarrymill Park in Perth, is run by independent local charities raising funds to solely support the Cornhill Macmillan Centre, a purpose build palliative care unit at the Perth Royal Infirmary. The Coffee Shop serves a wide range from coffee, teas, scones and cakes to soup and sandwiches while the shop provides the opportunity to buy gifts and cards for many occasions, as well as products by local artists.
The Coffee and Gift Shop are open from March to October and operates with thanks to a dedicated team of around 200 volunteers supported by a small team of staff.
The Gannochy Trust are delighted to support the work of these charities in their park.
Maureen, Chair of the charities said: “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of The Gannochy Trust and other local generous donators. Their outstanding continued support over many years has allowed us to not only raise funds for an important local cause but also creates a great opportunity enabling volunteers and customers to directly support the work at Cornhill.
The Coffee Shop was started by a small group of Macmillan volunteers back in 1991. The volunteers, who worked at the original centre on Isla Road, were approached by The Gannochy Trust to find a new use for the building in the park. The volunteers worked with the Gannochy Trust and converted the space into a Coffee and Gift Shop to raise funds for the local Macmillan Centre.
Fast forward 33 years, and the Coffee and Gift shop combined have raised over a million pounds for Cornhill Macmillan Centre. The funds remain local with the Cornhill Support Group, which provides additional services to patients and their carers. These include a range of therapy treatments such as hairdressing and massages to bereavement services. The support group is about adding those little personal touches to make a very difficult time for patients and their families just a little bit better.
As with many local charities, Covid and the ensuing lockdowns had a devastating impact on the Coffee and Gift Shop’s capacity to operate. At the same time, the demand for Cornhill’s support services increased. Bereavement and counselling services were particularly sought after by families who had been denied access at that time.
However, the team at Quarrymill worked hard to open, putting in place a takeaway service and developing new outdoor spaces. In addition, plans were put together to get back to pre pandemic fund-raising levels as soon as possible. This resulted in menu changes, opening seven days a week and extending the season.
By 2022, the Coffee and Gift Shop were back to pre-pandemic levels, and since then have broken all records raising over £79,000 in 2023 and an amazing £92,000 in 2024.
Maureen continued: “Covid was incredibly tough, but it also resulted in some enhancements and changes. The local community rallied behind us, many of whom have a personal connection with Cornhill and see the importance of our work. We now also have incredible young volunteers, some of which choose Quarrymill as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Our volunteers are our backbone, and all their efforts and commitment means we can not only provide a great destination Coffee and Gift Shop, but also raise much needed funds. We are very grateful to all involved, volunteers, staff, customers and The Gannochy Trust.”
The Macmillan Coffee and Gift Shop opened again in March 2025. For more information, please visit their Facebook page
