How does this impact on Community Wellbeing? Mainland Store – Bills van Community shops In rural and spread out areas where there is no shop the community shop acts as an anchor for the community. Why should the Committee focus on this as part of their future work? Local shops – family shops. Delivery days are buzzing with everyone attending, fish days, meat days, Friday is newsletter day. These provide an opportunity for people to get meet others, a shared experience, a connection. An opportunity to build relationships with neighbours and others in the community. Especially for people who are on their own, but it is appreciated by all. Something you don’t get from a supermarket.
I have seen what a fantastic force a community shop can be in Barra. For example when the tourist office was closed, the community shop (Buth Bharraigh) took on this role, and has done so very successfully. They are a meeting place, a focus for groups (craft groups, for example) and sell local products. This is a great model for the future.
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