A local couple have taken on the challenge of securing the long term future of Auchencairn Store.
And Vicki Pitts and James Higgs are confident their new venture will prosper with community backing.
Vicki, 38, and James, 39, opened for business last week after revamping the interior.
“We thought that if we don’t take the shop on nobody else will,” Vicki told the News. “Reactions have generally been very positive and people seem very happy.
“Keeping the shop going is really important for Auchencairn. The village was losing its centre and this can bring it back again. That’s why we are doing this – because the shop was going to close. It would be a shame to lose it.”
Prospects for the facility were bleak after sub-postmistress Alison Parker retired.
Its tearoom had been closed for months after a succession of operators failed to make it pay.
Faced with losing a vital amenity owners Auchencairn Initiative appealed for prospective tenants.
Vicki and James fitted the bill and a three year-lease with an option to extend was agreed.
Now the tearoom is gearing up for full service and post office counter services will be restored.
Vicki said: “We have done all the renovations in the shop but we are not finished the cafe yet. It should be ready at the end of July. We will reopen the post office sometime in the future.”
She added: “The shop looks totally different and people are happy and smiling.
“If people shop with us it will work and if they don’t it won’t. It’s up to the villagers.”
