Gillian has always dreamed of running a coffee shop, but it wasn’t until May 2023 that this dream took the form of her first mobile coffee trailer.
With a background in office work and a desire for social interaction after home working during lockdown, she transformed her passion into a thriving coffee business. A second trailer was soon added in March 2024, following a permanent pitch opportunity at Cobleland Campsite in Aberfoyle.
“I’ve always wanted to create a place where people can enjoy good coffee, and the mobile trailers are perfect for that,” said Gillian. “My husband’s feedback from the sporting events he attended – where there was often no coffee on offer – was the push I needed to get started.”
With one trailer now touring major sporting events across Scotland, and the other serving campers, walkers and cyclists in Aberfoyle, Coull Beans is covering caffeine needs across the country!
At the heart of Coull Beans is a love of fresh, quality coffee. Gillian’s husband roasts their own beans, ensuring every cup is ground to order and served at its best. Coull Beans also offers an array of other drinks, including non-dairy alternatives, along with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian-friendly snacks.
“We roast our own beans, so the coffee is always fresh. Whether at a cycling event or at the campsite, people love knowing they’re getting a top-notch cuppa,” said Gillian.
While the event trailer focuses on serving coffee and cakes, the campsite trailer also offers hot breakfast rolls and occasionally runs BBQs for special occasions.
Coull Beans prides itself on supporting local suppliers and communities. The business sources butcher meat from Graham Denholm in Aberfoyle, as well cakes from Fondly Iced in Stirling and The Wee Cake Stop in Dunblane.
“We believe in supporting local, so we use nearby suppliers for everything. It’s our way of giving back to the communities that support us,” says Gillian.
In addition, Coull Beans offers a loyalty card for the local residents of Gartmore and Aberfoyle, allowing them to enjoy their 6th coffee for free – a small gesture that creates a deeper connection between the business and its customers.
Coull Beans is on a growth trajectory. With repeat bookings for events and a permanent spot at the Cobleland Campsite, the business is looking to expand to more campsites around Scotland. They are also always on the lookout for new events to add to their calendar, with a major milestone coming in 2025 when they will be attending the Island Games in Orkney for the first time.
Gillian explained: “We’ve got big plans. The more people we can bring our coffee to, the better. Our dream is to set up similar service offerings at more campsites across the country.”
You can find Coull Beans and follow their exciting journey through their social media channels:
Facebook: Coull Beans Coffee Trailer
Instagram: www.instagram.com/coull_beans/
For inquiries or event bookings, contact Gillian on 07780 876884.
