Coupar community shop opens its doors
The new High Street Store community shop in Coupar Angus was officially opened during the town’s community market on Saturday morning.
The new venture, which is in the former Meg’s Cafe premises and run by Forward Coupar Angus, was officially opened by Meg herself, Margaret Whyte from Coupar Angus.
The shop will sell local produce such as fruit, vegetables and crafts including soap, jewellery, clothes, handspun wool and work by local artists.
There is also office space in the building which will act as an information point on ways that households can reduce their carbon footprints and save money at the same time.
Wendy McCombes from Forward Coupar Angus thanked Meg for officially opening the store.
She said: “This initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Communities Fund, which we have used to purchase and renovate these premises that have lain unused for many years.
“We are over the moon to see the community shop open, absolutely delighted.
“It is such an achievement for the community and will continue to help with the regeneration of the town centre here in Coupar Angus.”
Meg said: “I am really pleased to see it get a new lease of life. It’s absoluely beautiful and it was a pleasure and an honour to be asked to open it.”
Local councillor Dennis Melloy congratulated everyone involved in the refurbishment.
He said: “This is another example of the wonderful community spirit in Coupar Angus.
“It is so nice to see the community breathing life into previously disused premises and it is a great opportunity for local crafters to display their wares.
“I sincerely hope that everyone in the area will support this inititative.”
Saturday was World Wide Knit in Public Day and the Coupar Angus Yarnstormers hosted an event at the market.
Glenisla-bsed Frances Law was also at the market with her exhibition documenting what has been unearthed during her archaeological investigation into the Coupar Angus Burn.
And award-winning volunteer group Pride of Place held a coffee morning in the Y Hall in Union Street to raise funds for their work keeping Coupar Angus Beautiful.