Following successful purchase of the Free Presbyterian Church, CORRA (Community of Raasay Retail Association) wishes to redevelop the property into an accessible community shop, post office & hub.
Estimated Cost
£1,500,000
Feasibility studies confirm funding is required for a complete renovation of the Free Presbyterian Church in order to be fit for purpose as a community shop & post office. This includes external provision for parking, charging point for electric vehicles and services. It is envisaged that the renovation will pay attention to how the design impacts Raasay’s designation as a Carbon Neutral Island, highlighting opportunities to improve the building’s carbon footprint whilst also being mindful in design of its historical origins. We wish to provide a community shop which will sell more locally sourced fresh produce & goods, a refillery, and a post office to meet the needs of our growing community. It will also provide a welcoming space for customers to meet for a cuppa and refreshments on a self-service basis.
CORRA, a Community Benefit Society, has successfully run a shop and post office on the island for the last 13 years. CORRA has succeeded in increasing turnover, demonstrating financial stability and the continuing importance of the shop within the community. The shop provides:
• on-island provision of goods and services – the next nearest provision is on Skye, a 20-minute ferry, and 20-minute driving time away. The Shop is of vital importance for those who have restricted access to a car and limited time/finances to get across to Skye regularly.
• Retail goods and services, including basic postal and banking services, provided from a village location within walking distance for most village residents;
• A community focus; for some, a visit to the shop may be the only people they see in a day, and also the shop staff can quietly keep an eye on the regulars, many of whom live alone;
• The shop caters for visitors to Raasay, enhancing the visitor experience, encouraging more visitors to spend within the community, and supporting local jobs;
• The shop offers work and training opportunities for all ages and abilities.
However, recent wholesale costs, utility and labour costs have increased, reducing gross margins and leaving CORRA financially at risk. Due to a lack of space, CORRA cannot address these cost increases through increased trading in the current shop.
The shop building is no longer fit for purpose. It lacks natural light/poor working conditions for the staff/no breakout space. It is inaccessible to people with mobility issues, creating difficulties, particularly for the island’s ageing population. Furthermore, during the winter months, there is a real need for locals to have somewhere to meet and socialise. Community shops and post offices are widely recognised as social hubs, providing a lifeline service for vulnerable residents as well as community resilience. COVID highlighted the impact of how fragile we are as an island community and the importance of our shop for food and connection. This is a vital service for the Raasay community but the current space just does not allow for a proper meeting area.
Expected outcomes are:
A renovated building adhering to wherever possible, the use of carbon neutral & environmentally friendly materials. In addition, there will be an electric vehicle charging point
A shop providing good quality essential services & locally sourced foods
A shop promoting wellbeing & community hub supporting a thriving, increasing population
A hybrid vehicle, funded by a private legacy, will be provided to transport islanders to the shop for those who do not drive, as well as collection of deliveries
Digital connections accessible for customers
Collaborative partnerships with local businesses
The old shop will become local affordable housing accommodation
The financial projections demonstrate that an expanded retail offering will significantly improve the financial viability of the shop while continuing to provide an affordable lifeline service. The plans will deliver a fully accessible building, enhancing its use, particularly by the island’s ageing population as well as other islanders and tourists. Increased space also allows for a 'catch up and connect' area where customers could stop for refreshments and a chat. This would address social isolation, particularly during the winter months. It is also an opportunity for job creation.
Following a successful island consultation (a 40% turnout), CORRA received grant funding as well as part of a private legacy to purchase the Church in 2025. CORRA now requires to raise additional funds for the complete renovation. The island has already raised funds of £20k (Raasay Gala, Craft Fairs, individual & community committee donations & Collectin) & has the remaining legacy of £70k. These funds have enabled us to engage local builders to cover all design, coordination, and administrative work required to prepare and submit a full planning application. If successful, Building Warrant & Technical Design would follow taking us to a fully costed stage ready to commence works on site. CORRA would prefer a full turnkey build project. Fundraising is a key focus with diarised events for 2026, launching a fundraising website & literature. Funding applications are submitted when we meet criteria and approved timings. The current shop will be sold for local affordable housing, the proceeds of which will go directly towards the new shop.
The project has begun & subject to funding, it will take 3 years (2028).
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