Luing Stores looking for new owner
If you’ve ever dreamed of trading in mainland life to live and work on a remote island, now is your chance.
A rare opportunity has arisen to run Luing Stores and Post Office serving the 157 people who live there all year and visitors who come by ferry.
After almost three years of running the lifeline store single-handed without a day off, current owner Gordon Robbie wants to hand over the reins to someone new.
His Facebook post seeking interest before putting the business up for sale attracted 20 comments and almost 70 shares in just a couple of days.
‘It’s what a lot of people would dream of, living in a great community in a spectacular place. It wouldn’t be about making money, it’s more about making a lifestyle choice and about serving the community. It’s satisfying work,’ said Mr Robbie, who saved the store and Post Office in 2015 after it shut.
Mr Robbie plans to keep living on the island so would be on hand to help out if needed and full training would be given to the new postmaster or postmistress.
‘There’s no mad rush. It’s not doom and gloom. It’s not as if we’re shutting next week.
‘People are interested and are asking questions so I’m hoping someone will take up the opportunity.
‘I’ve loved it but could do with a bit of time off after three years!’
The shop sells produce from local suppliers, including meat from Seil, cheese from Mull and bread from Luing’s own bakery. It also does home-deliveries and runs community transport buses for pensioners.
‘We’ve got an ageing community so it’s especially important the store and Post Office keep going. People have to get their pensions and have bills to pay. We are a lifeline to many,’ said Mr Robbie, who is originally from Stirling but spent 20 years in Herefordshire and lived on Luing for a couple of years from 2004 before leaving and returning again in 2013. ‘I’m not leaving the island. I’ll be here to give advice if it’s needed,’ he added.