Our Journey with Demba
At The Old Inn, hospitality and community are the heart of what we do. It is a philosophy we share with our Chef, Demba, who has been a vital bridge between Scotland and his home in Senegal for over a decade.
A Shared Horizon
Every autumn, the Ospreys that breed in the Highlands take flight, migrating thousands of miles to winter on the sun-drenched coast of Senegal. Like them, Demba makes this journey every year. He is spending his spring and summer here with us in Gairloch, and in the autumn, he returns to the fishing village of Thiaroye-sur-Mer to support his community.
There is a natural spirit to this journey—a rhythm that connects our Highland glens to the West African coast. As the Ospreys connect our two shores under one sky, we are proud to “fly with him” in his mission.
A Legacy of Learning: The Story of Malick Diop
Demba’s work is a continuation of a deep family legacy. His grandfather, Malick Diop, was a visionary who donated his own land to found the very first school in the area. He believed that education was the foundation of a strong community.
Photo of Malick Drop, displayed at the school in Thiaroye-sur-Mer
Today, Demba carries that torch. By donating his own savings and tips earned here in Scotland, he provides vital supplies—from rucksacks and pens to paper and books—ensuring the school remains a place of opportunity for all.
Respecting the Sea, Protecting the Land
Thiaroye-sur-Mer is a vibrant fishing community where the Atlantic Ocean dictates the rhythm of life. Demba comes from a family of fishermen, and he works tirelessly to teach the younger generation to respect the waters that feed them, focusing on climate change and ocean literacy.
Demba’s commitment to his village is wide-reaching, tackling the most urgent needs of the community through practical, life-changing projects:
- Combatting the Floods: During the rainy season, the village lacks drainage, often flooding the school and the local cemetery. Demba led a project with local young men to build a manual drainage system to protect their streets.
- Supporting the Hospital: Providing essential funds to local medical staff to ensure better healthcare for the villagers.
- Empowering Women: Helping local women establish independence through agricultural projects, such as poultry farming.
- A Sanctuary for the Talibé: One of Demba’s most personal goals is to support the Talibé—young Quranic students who often spend hours on the street. He dreams of providing them with a dedicated space for their education and well-being.
“My main idea, what I really want to do for these kids, is build a home. A place where they can get a proper education and healthy food for free. This is my goal. This is my dream.” — Demba
Understanding Thiaroye-sur-Mer: Resilience & Teranga
Life in Thiaroye-sur-Mer is defined by Teranga—a Senegalese philosophy of open-hearted hospitality. The name of the country itself reflects this communal bond; it is widely believed that “Senegal” comes from the Wolof phrase “Sunu Gaal”, which translates to “Our Boat.” This “shared boat” is a powerful symbol of unity—the idea that everyone in the community is navigating the same waters together. However, industrial overfishing has made the traditional life of a fisherman precarious, leading many to attempt the perilous journey across the sea toward Europe.
“I know a lot of families that lost their fathers, or even their whole family. I prioritise those families who don’t have that support anymore. I want to give them a reason to stay.” — Demba
By supporting the school and local infrastructure, Demba is giving the next generation a commitment to the ground beneath their feet, providing them with the tools to thrive at home.
Nio Far – We Are One
In Senegal, they say Nio Far, meaning “we are together” or “we are one.” When you visit us at The Old Inn, you aren’t just a guest; you are part of this story. We invite you to join us in supporting Demba’s lifelong commitment to his home. Whether through our seasonal specials or following the progress of the school, every gesture helps bridge the gap between our two communities.
“You have peace here. I like being in Gairloch; it’s like my village… but not the weather!” — Demba