A long-standing rural store on the the Scottish Highlands peninsula, which was technically UK’s most westerly village shop, has decided to close its doors for good, as changing shopper habits and the spread of home delivery services continue to reshape Britain’s retail landscape.
The Ferry Stores in the village of Kilchoan on the Scottish peninsula of Ardnamurchan will shut on Friday (Oct 31) after more than 50 years of service to the 200 residents of the remote Highland village.
Owners Morag and David Doherty, both in their 60s, said the store’s future had become unsustainable as footfall fell and supermarket delivery options reached even the most isolated areas.
“The final straw was when Morrisons started home deliveries. That killed us," the couple told The Guardian.
“I worked in it as a child, my sons did too, so it is very emotional to close it – it is a shame and very sad,” said Doherty. “It is the end of an era. But it is not just us. Other rural shops are facing the same problems. You can’t compete with home delivery and online.”
The store, which doubled as a Post Office and petrol outlet, was the only shop within a 20-mile radius and relied on an eight-hour round trip, involving ferry crossings and single-track roads, to stay stocked.
The nearest filling station is now in Strontian, 29 miles away, while the next post office is 22 miles away in Acharacle.
In a statement to customers, the Dohertys said they had “done our best to adapt and keep the shop running for the benefit of our community,” but could no longer withstand the structural shift to online and delivery-based shopping.
“We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers and staff who kept the shop going far longer than might otherwise have been possible,” they said.
“After much thought, we’ve decided it’s time to retire, knowing we’ve served this village and been part of its life and history.”