The majority of individuals value having a nearby store where they can purchase everyday items like milk, newspapers, and occasional treats like chocolate bars. However, if this store happens to be the sole one on your island, its importance becomes even more significant.
The community on Lismore, a Scottish island, had reason to celebrate this week as they successfully secured enough funding to buy out their only shop. This shop also serves as a bank, post office, and social center for the island.
Earlier this year, the shop faced the threat of closure due to the schoolteacher who was managing it returning to the classroom. This caused concern among the 160 permanent residents of Lismore.
When faced with the need to travel three hours round trip to Oban for a loaf of bread, the island community displayed their self-sufficiency by taking action. They encouraged both residents and tourists who appreciate the area to invest in shares of the Lismore store.
The Lismore Community Trust (LCT) exceeded their goal of raising £70,000 in their share offering campaign. They received support from over 230 people and received donations totaling £80,000, with more contributions still being received.
In honor of the occasion, approximately half of the island’s residents attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony this week. The local newspaper, the Oban Times, joined in congratulating the resilient islanders, stating: “Lismore’s accomplishment is a great demonstration of the success that can be achieved by small islands with ambitious ideas, supported by hard work, perseverance, and the generosity of those who support community empowerment.”
The store, which was referred to by LCT chair Andy Hough as a vital resource for the community, will now have the means to purchase necessary starting inventory, complete renovations, and sustain operations for the next few years.
He stated that it is more than just a place to purchase groceries, it is also a place where people can gather, converse, and have a good time.
He stated that the potential impact of shutting down would have been devastating for the island. He explained, “Our population is already vulnerable, and this would have only increased the sense of isolation. It could have triggered a decline in population.”
According to him, the day was saved thanks to the support of locals, vacation home owners, and visitors. He was encouraged to see people from different backgrounds, whether they were permanent residents or owned second homes, coming together to foster a sense of community.
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The shop will now be managed by full-time employees who are also parents to two young kids, under new ownership. A group of volunteers will provide additional business support. While the shop’s main focus will be serving the community, they also aim to generate profits and plan to install wifi.
Hough stated that it is primarily a service, but they also want to ensure it remains profitable.
Source: theguardian.com
