Shop adapts and delivers
An island shop is playing a pivotal role in getting food and essentials to 180 residents unable to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions.
TES Coll, the only store on the island, adapted after having to close its doors overnight because of social distancing laws.
Islanders are currently unable to travel by ferry to Oban on the mainland for their shopping due to travel restrictions so, with the help of volunteers, owners Paula Jamieson and Dougie Brown now run an order and delivery service, quickly set-up after the shop closure.
Community group Development Coll was awarded £10,000 through the Supporting Communities Fund to help provide affordable food to islanders, purchase PPE for staff at the shop and fuel station, and for the volunteers who make deliveries.
TES Coll has received a share of the funds to cover some of the freight costs that bring food and essential items to the island which means residents can buy goods at a more affordable price than usual. For example, a two litre carton of milk usually sells for £2.35 but is currently selling for £1.69, a saving of around 20 per cent.
A website has been created to show residents all the goods on offer.
The shop restocks after freight deliveries arrive three times a week from Oban.
Paula from TES Coll said: ‘Being resilient is a way of life for islanders and we know how to cope when supplies don’t arrive and when we are cut off from the mainland. We are always looking out for our neighbours.
‘Our business had to be creative and adapt literally overnight and the fund has made a big difference to us and will benefit everyone who lives on the island.
‘No one has had to leave the house for groceries and everyone gets what they need.’
The Scottish Government fund is administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and enables community groups across the region to respond swiftly to local need for people impacted economically or through reduced contact with society, including anyone struggling to access food.
Peter McDonald, HIE senior development manager at HIE in Argyll, added: ‘Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the ferry which would normally run daily at this time of year is now operating a lifeline timetable aimed at keeping essential goods, services and people going to and from the islands.
‘The local shop is providing a crucial service for islanders through its order and delivery service, which is helping the community massively. We are pleased Development Coll will also use the funds to buy much-needed PPE equipment including hand sanitiser.’
Nic Smith, vice chairperson of Development Coll, said: ‘We are delighted the Supporting Communities Fund is able to benefit Coll residents during this difficult time.’
‘Our business had to be creative and adapt literally overnight and the fund has made a big difference to us and will benefit everyone who lives on the island.’