Creelers Restaurants on Arran and in Edinburgh’s Old Town were founded by Tim and Fran James, who run them personally. Tim also looks after the Arran Smokehouse and the sourcing of the seafood sold by the restaurants.

Tim and Fran have been associated with the west of Scotland all their lives. Tim started work as a fisherman twenty-five years ago and more recently founded the Arran Smokehouse. This produces the highest quality smoked products and trades separately under the name of Arran Smoked Products, selling through its shop and by mail order (see Smokehouse and Shop).

The restaurants are both called Creelers, the name originating from the fact that much of the shellfish is caught in creels, often in the seas around Arran. All the seafood is brought fresh to the restaurants daily by Tim, who also sells the produce at Farmers Markets in Edinburgh and Stirling (see Farmers Markets).

Fran manages the two restaurants. She started Creelers on Arran next to the Smokehouse in 1990.  It was an immediate success, proving that top quality, locally sourced ingredients, expertly yet simply prepared, are a winning combination (see Creelers of Arran).

Creelers Restaurant in Edinburgh opened in 1995, bringing with it the same philosophy of simplicity, careful sourcing, top quality cooking and elegant presentation (see Creelers in Edinburgh).

For more background about the businesses, and their co-founders, go to About Us.