Villagers’ ‘shop local’ effort well rewarded
Huge push to keep vital services in Killin
Two cornerstones of village life have been preserved and enhanced in Killin thanks to the hard work and perseverance of residents there.
A new post office and village shop have recently opened in the former newsagents premises in Main Street after a mighty effort to raise funding for the venture.
One of the oldest residents in Killin, 95-year-old Ruby Fulton, cut the ribbon to mark the opening brought about by the work of Killin and Ardeonaig Development Trust (KAT) and social enterprise MacGregor’s. MacGregor’s already ran a shop in the village before taking on post office responsibilities.
KAT now own the shop unit and MacGregor’s are the leaseholders, on a 10 year lease, and solely run the shop.
The facility goes beyond the usual Post Office. A wide range of services and products are provided including: banking services, vehicle tax renewal, Moneygram, phone and electricity top ups, Citizen Advice Bureau hosting, locallygrown produce, gluten free and organic food, newspapers and magazines, stationery and other items, tourist information, sale of fishing permits and tackle, and bookings for the community bus.
Local SNP councillor Evelyn Tweed said: “It was a lovely opening which was well attended on quite a wet day but this certainly didn’t dampen spirits. Well done to Ruby for cutting the ribbon and making it a special occasion for everyone.
“I think KAT and MacGregor’s have done a fantastic job here. Post offices in rural communities are under threat and they have worked hard to make sure Killin has this great facility.
“Those involved have thought not only of what people need in the post office but what other goods they can offer which differ from the other local shops.
“This has been done for the benefit of the community and people have put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that postal services in this area continue to be provided. I am overwhelmed by the efforts everyone have made to secure funding and make this happen.
“There have also been numerous practical challenges which they have had to resolve. Their commitment to the project has been phenomenal and ensures that villagers have access to these vital services.
“I would urge people and businesses to use the services on offer and to ‘shop local’ to ensure the venture’s sustainability. Rural village post offices must remain open for business as they are at the heart of our communities.”
Trossachs and Teith Tory councillor Martin Earl said: “It was a real pleasure to attend this official opening. There has been a huge amount of work by many people in the community to ensure this vital service stayed in place.
“The ongoing commitment by volunteers to staff the shop and post office shows just what a great community there is in Killin.”
KAT chairperson Liz Stevens said: “This project has shown how the community can identify a need to KAT and then work together to make it a reality.
“We are so grateful to everybody who has helped financially and physically to make this happen. Without them this would not have been successful.
“More than a Post Office and More than a Newsagent sums up the diverse services available for the community under one roof. ”
“Hopefully the Post Office and Paper Shop will still be going strong well into the future. It’s a fantastic resource for everyone.”
Funding for the project overall came from the following: Your Stirling Your Priority £10,000; SLF £110,213; LEADER £12,754; Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park £5,000; Crowdfunder £9,381 (including Gift Aid); and local fundraising £3,027 (£1,169 of which from local swimmers).
Their commitment to the project has been phenomenal and ensures access to vital services