Residents on Scalpay are celebrating tonight after successfully taking over the island’s sole shop.
Islanders have had to travel across the bridge to mainland Harris to purchase groceries
and supplies after the mini-
The ownership of the empty shop building was unknown after the previous operator who privately owned the building left the island, hampering the community efforts to reopen the store.
Now islanders have struck a deal with the bank to purchase the shop which sits above the shore line in the village centre and the keys were handed over at 5pm.
A community co-
A community share option scheme has been launched. It is open to all -
Inside the shop this evening, Coinneach Morrison, development officer with Harris
Development Ltd which has helped progress the deal, said the enterprise would create
vital employment within the 375-
He said: “It will have two full time workers plus a couple of part time staff all year round.”
“The community identified a critical need for this facility on the island. They are delivering for their own needs.
He added: “I would like to thank HIE, Leader and the Comhairle for their assistance throughout this project. Without their help the project would not be able to progress.”
The island‘s post office run by Annie Macdonald stocks a range of supplies but currently
residents face a 14-
The cluster of small villages on the “mainland” side of the bridge to Harris swells the potential customer base by 75 people.
The news comes as Scalpay residents have been offered the island as a free gift by its owner.
In an unconnected development, Londoner Fred Taylor will outline his proposal to
free gift the land to its 300-
Most islanders seem to be in favour and hope it signals a vital boost for the ailing community.
Community take over Scalpay shop 8/3/11