£20,000 wind farm grant for community shop extension

Exciting plans are under way for the extension of Lochgilphead’s Community Shop, thanks to a £20,000 grant from the A’Chruach Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and donations from Community supporters.

Stuart McLellan, chairperson of the board that runs the shop, said: “We are delighted to be able to start preparations for knocking through the two buildings which make up the Community Shop premises.

“This will greatly increase the space available for displaying stock and for community activities such as the Camerados and the Textile Tuesday. We always planned to carry out this

Lochgilphead community shop will undergo a refurbishment in the next few weeks.

work and have been pleased to receive donations and support from members of the community and this generous award from the wind farm will now enable us to put those plans into action.”

Stuart continued: “There is, however, a bit of a down side as we will have to reduce the opening hours of the shop until the work is completed, which is likely to be around mid April.

“We will be installing new storage facilities and sorting current stock and new donations. The dividing wall will then be opened up and a ramp installed. There is also a need for electrical work to be carried out, all of which will take some time.

“So, from next week, Monday March 4, the Community Shop will only be opening on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, although we are looking to extend as far as possible. It’s a shame but it will all be worth it when we reopen full time.”

“In the meantime, the search is on for staff to manage the newly refurbished premises, so if you would like to be a part of this community venture, call in at the shop during opening hours.”