‘Lifeline’ village shop in Caithness now owned by community
Watten’s village shop is now in community ownership – and the volunteers behind the venture say they are committed to building on what they have achieved so far.
The purchase by Watten Shop Group Ltd was completed in December after negotiation with the previous owners of Woodside Village Store. A post office is part of the shop.
Zoë McIntosh, chairperson of the community benefit society, said: “We at Watten Shop Group Ltd are excited to be the proud owners of the shop.
“We’re delighted that this purchase was possible thanks to funds awarded by the RWE wind farm panels, enabling the group to continue to run the shop for the benefit of local people.
“It is vital that the shop and post office continue to serve the area and are a lifeline to many in the village, as well as providing local employment.
“Since the group took over the running of the shop almost a year ago, there has been a steady increase in customers and takings. The shop is now fully stocked with a wide range of local produce, fresh goods and everyday essentials.”
The group is seeking to generate £15,000 through community shares and the current total is sitting at just over £12,000.
Watten Shop Group Ltd took on the lease in February 2024 and the intention is that it will be “run by the community for the benefit of the community”.
Mrs McIntosh explained: “The community share offer is still open, with the total now over 80 per cent of the way to its target of £15,000.
“The Watten shop committee is incredibly grateful to everyone who has purchased shares so far – it really will make a difference.
“Buying shares is a great way to invest in your local community enterprise. Shares are priced at just £5 each, making them affordable for all budgets.”
Forms and prospectuses are available from the shop.
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A competition for children to design a logo was won by Owen Wyllie.
Mrs McIntosh said the next steps include seeking more funding to enable renovation works to take place, while the new sign, featuring Owen’s logo, is set to be unveiled at an event in the spring.
Committee members are also working on a website and developing their social media presence. They plan to run a volunteer programme to provide work experience and employability skills.
Meanwhile, they are recruiting to strengthen the team and continuing to expand their range of local products.
Anyone interested in supporting the project should email wattenshopchair@gmail.com
Committee members had a “fantastic response” from the public at the County Show in Thurso last July and they hosted a share launch event in Watten village hall in August.
Watten Shop Group Ltd is being supported by Alix Sutherland, community development officer at Caithness Voluntary Group.
