Scotland's most westerly mainland shop in remote village closes after more than 50 years
The shop in one of Scotland’s most remote coastal villages is closing on Friday
Britain’s most westerly mainland village shop has closed after more than half a century in operation, with a rise in online shopping and home deliveries blamed for the decision.
The Ferry Stores in Kilchoan - situated about seven miles north-west of Tobermory, on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula - will shut its doors permanently on Friday.
The business housed a Post Office, while also selling groceries, petrol and diesel, and providing a café shack. Owners David and Morag Doherty said changing shopping habits had ultimately forced the decision.
“The final straw was when Morrisons started home deliveries,” Ms Doherty told The Guardian. “That killed us.”
Stocking the shelves of the year-round family-run business had proven an ongoing challenge.
The Ferry Stores is the only shop for 20 miles in the area, acting as a community hub for about 150 residents who call the remote coastal village of Kilchoan home.
It has taken an eight-hour round trip, which includes at least one ferry crossing, to keep the store full of essential stock.
In a statement posted to Facebook on the closure, the owners said: “This decision has not been made lightly. Over the past several years, we have seen a steady decline in footfall as shopping habits have changed, particularly with the rise of online and home delivery services.
“While we have done our best to adapt and keep the shop running for the benefit of our community, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain the business.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful staff, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to keep the shop running smoothly.
“Their dedication, friendliness and commitment to our customers have been at the heart of everything we’ve done. We have really appreciated their loyalty and hard work over the years.
“We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers who have continued to support us over the years. Your friendship, encouragement and custom have meant the world to us and have kept the shop going far longer than might otherwise have been possible.
“After much thought, we have decided that now is the right time to bring this chapter to a close and step into retirement. We take comfort in knowing that we’ve served this village for seven years and have been part of its life and history.”
The store has been up for sale for the past 12 months, but no buyers had emerged. Mr and Mrs Doherty have chosen to retire after running the business together for the past seven years.
A temporary grocery service will now be run four days a week out of the village’s community centre by the West Ardnamurchan Development Company.
A community meeting will be held on November 20 to discuss proposals for fuel and permanent shop facilities. The nearest filling station is now situated in Strontian, 29 miles away.
Brendan O’Hara, the SNP MP for Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, said the closure of shops such as The Ferry Stores represented a blow to rural community life.
“Without access to a shop, fuel and postal services, communities cannot remain sustainable and such a loss will inevitably further accelerate the depopulation crisis threatening our remote areas,” he said.
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