A new community-run shop specialising in local produce and crafts opened for business in Invermoriston on Saturday 1 April.
Local volunteers have set up the Invermoriston Community Shop which will be run by two paid managers who live in the local area and a team of volunteers who will help out daily.
The shop was set up with the help of a £32,000 grant from local enterprise group Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company who distribute the community benefit funding received from local renewable energy projects.
Offering a full range of household products, locally produced food and Scottish food brands, half the shop will be dedicated to the work of local craftspeople – including artwork, handknitted woolen clothing, silver jewellery and baskets.
Lynne West, secretary of Glenmoriston Improvement Group who are behind the shop, said: “Ever since the previous shop in this building closed down, we have been considering how we could bring it back to life for the good of the whole community.
“Thanks to a lot of hard work from a dedicated band of volunteers, our dream has now become reality – not only providing the household essentials that will save local people a journey to buy but also showcasing the work of craftspeople from around the area which we hope will appeal to visitors.
“We have set up the shop as a Community Benefit Society with any profits being invested back into the business and the community. We already have a group of volunteers developing better play facilities in the Glen and offering Incredible Edible planters, growing herbs for community use.”
Erin Murchie, community relations manager at owners of nearby Millennium Wind Farm Renantis, said: “It’s fantastic to see a local amenity being brought back into use at the very heart of the community. We’re delighted that funding from our wind farm has helped make it possible and congratulate the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to deliver such a valuable project.”