Isle of Skye Fudge Company has taken over successful island chocolatier, Vanilla Skye Chocolates, as their popular retail outlet 'Vanilla Skye and ...' closed its doors at the weekend.

With a new look website, and branding that promises a rich, deep, dark and intense taste experience, Isle of Skye Chocolate will build on Vanilla Skye's excellent reputation for high quality handmade truffles and a delicious range of freshly prepared chocolates.

"We had been looking to expand our range of handmade Scottish tablet, with the addition of chocolate dipped fudge", said new owner Carole Inglis, "and so it was a great opportunity for us to take on the chocolate side of business from such a well established local company.

"Our first task is to establish an online presence for Isle of Skye Chocolate, and then build the local market through our existing customer base. The team at Vanilla Skye has been great, helping us to make a smooth transition from fudge makers to chocolatiers, and we wish each of them well in their new ventures".

Barbara MacLeod, Vanilla Skye's head chocolatier, said, "I'm obviously a bit sad to see the chocolate making go but, after eight years, we feel the time is right  to move on to other things. Skye Fudge was our first local supplier to the original shop in Bayfield Lane, and so we are especially pleased to know that Isle of Skye Chocolate will be in good hands".