The name Morganti is associated with several businesses in Nairn – including a cafe at 100 High Street (subsequently occupied by the Thai Cottage and Highland Palace Chinese Restaurant, unoccupied in 2019); a fish and chip shop at 69 High Street, (now run as the Dolphin) and an ice-cream parlour (believed now to be Ashers cafe and bakery at 40 High Street).
Angelo Morganti and his brother, Alberto, arrived in Scotland from Pisa, with their mother Giocacanda, before 1911. In that year they are recorded in the Census as being ice cream vendors in Inverness.
By 1937, Giocanda’s grandson, Angelo (Bimbo) had established the cafe at 100 High Street, Nairn, which he ran with his wife Greta (Margaret Cameron Wallace)
The shop at 40 High Street was established by Jacopo Morganti (the grand-nephew of Giocando). ‘Jac’s’ ice cream vans were also part of the county’s heritage.
The chip shop at 69 High Street was managed by Giuseppe and Maria Pia and Maria’s Dad, Iratzio; prior to that run by a Pellegrini relative.
The details of Jacopo’s family connection have yet to be established.
Jacopo (Jac) was a well-liked and respected pillar of the community and founder of Morganti Juventis Football Club.
Following Jac’s death in 1995, the businesses were sold on.