Two months after launching a major community crowdfunder to restore vital services, the Kilchoan Community Fund has announced that the campaign has now raised over £150,000 through online and local donations, marking a significant milestone in the effort to rebuild the village’s essential infrastructure.
The update follows February’s widely supported appeal, which highlighted the urgent situation facing the remote Highland community after the permanent closure of its only shop, post office and fuel station in October 2025.
The loss left residents facing 100-mile round trips for basic supplies and raised serious concerns for community safety, local services and long-term sustainability.
The strength of the response to the crowdfunder – both locally and from supporters further afield – demonstrated the continued importance of securing a long-term solution for Kilchoan, the most westerly village on the British mainland.
Building on this momentum, West Ardnamurchan Commmunity Development Company (WACDC) has now launched the next critical phase of the project: the search for an experienced retail operator to lease and run the new Kilchoan Community Shop and Fuel/EV Station.
The planned facility will be a modern, energy-efficient development offering groceries, local produce, fuel and EV charging, positioned at the heart of the village near the Mull ferry route.
It is intended not only to restore essential services but also to support the local economy and growing visitor numbers to the Ardnamurchan peninsula.WACDC is seeking an operator with strong rural retail experience, a resilient business model and a clear commitment to community-focused service delivery.
The successful operator will take on responsibility for all day-to-day operations, including staffing, utilities, maintenance, compliance and commercial decision-making.
Rosie Curtis, crofter and Chair of the West Ardnamurchan Community Council, said: “Reaching over £150,000 in just a matter of weeks shows the strength of feeling about what is at stake here.
"The loss of the shop and fuel station has had a profound impact on daily life in Kilchoan, and this funding brings is closer to restoring services that are essential for the community’s future.”
Sarah Kocserha, member of the West Ardnamurchan Community Council and on the board recruiting the new operator, said: “Finding the right operator is the next crucial step for Kilchoan’s future. This is a unique opportunity to run a business that is not only commercially viable but also central to the wellbeing and resilience of one of Scotland’s most remote communities.”
The Kilchoan Community Shop and Fuel/EV Station aims to:
- Restore reliable access to groceries, household essentials and local produce
- Reintroduce fuel provision alongside EV charging infrastructure
- Support residents, local businesses and passing ferry traffic
- Provide employment and a focal point for community life
- Generate income to support wider community projects, including housing.