Palnackie Village Shop has stepped up its services to provide essential food and supplies to people self-isolating during the Covid-19 crisis.
The shop, which was bought in September by the local community, has introduced a delivery service as well as changing its opening hours and reworking its volunteer rota after a number of helpers had to drop out.
Chairman of Palnackie Community Trust, Susan Black, said: “Many of our volunteers are over 70 or in at-risk groups so are having to stay at home but the support from the community has been outstanding and now extra volunteers have come forward to help out with the deliveries.
“They are much needed because many local people now phone in their orders and we have increased the number of customers with accounts.”
The community bought the shop thanks to a Scottish Land Fund Grant of £182,250 which also included the purchase of a house, rent from which would help support the business.
However, the coronavirus lockdown has put renovations on hold and the trust is missing out on rent. As a result, the Scottish Land Fund has provided an emergency £5,000 grant which Susan said had proved “extremely useful”.
The money is being used to purchase a deep freeze and stock and also cover extra staffing to replace missing volunteer hours behind the till. Higher mileage expenses sourcing supplies for the shop and PPE equipment for staff and volunteers are also covered.
The emergency grant is part of a £70,000 package that has been shared amongst 12 SLF-funded enterprises to support them during the pandemic.
Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “Through the Scottish Land Fund, the Scottish Government has supported a number of communities, particularly in rural areas, who have wanted to save their local shop.
“Some of these shops are now playing an important role in distributing food and other essentials to people in need who are not eligible for other support measures.
"This volunteer-led activity is especially valuable at this point in time.
“I’m delighted that the Scottish Land Fund has responded quickly to help communities help themselves and step up their efforts at this difficult time.”
