Remote village shop in Kilchoan closes for final time after 50 years serving community

The most westerly mainland shop in the British Isles closed its doors on Friday, after more than 50 years of serving the community.

The Ferry Stores in Kilchoan provided groceries, petrol and diesel, a café shack and also housed the Post Office.

But shopping habits and populations have changed, and the shop has seen a drop in income of 30% alone in the past year, largely due to online and home deliveries.

After having the business for sale for over a year with no takers, owners David and Morag Doherty have retired and closed the doors.

Sharing the news of the closure, they said: “This decision has not been made lightly. Over the past several years, we have seen a steady decline in footfall as shopping habits have changed, particularly with the rise of online and home delivery services.

“While we have done our best to adapt and keep the shop running for the benefit of our community, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain the business.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful staff, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to keep the shop running smoothly.

“Their dedication, friendliness and commitment to our customers have been at the heart of everything we’ve done. We have really appreciated their loyalty and hard work over the years.

“We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers who have continued to support us over the years. Your friendship, encouragement and custom have meant the world to us and have kept the shop going far longer than might otherwise have been possible.

“After much thought, we have decided that now is the right time to bring this chapter to a close and step into retirement. We take comfort in knowing that we’ve served this village for seven years and have been part of its life and history.”

The closure is not unique to Ardnamurchan, but residents in Kilchoan will now have to travel 40 minutes by car along a narrow single-track road to their nearest shop in Acharacle, and an hour on the same road to get fuel at Strontian.

Morag and David Doherty who run the Ferry Stores shop at Kilchoan STV News

The other option is the 30-minute ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermory on Mull, but that is weather-dependent. It also represents the loss of a “hub” for people to meet and chat.

The local West Ardnamurchan Development Company (WACDC) is setting up a temporary grocery service, four days a week, in the community centre for essential items while exploring the possibility of making it a permanent service.

The Post Office have said they have an interested person in taking over the business in the area, but are at the early stages of recruiting.

Provision of fuel and permanent shop facilities will be discussed at a community meeting in the village on November 20.