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Raasay Community Stores
organisation
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Proposal code: THC-2026-04-110
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 Price
£1,500,000
Feasibility studies confirm that funding is required for a complete renovation of the Free Presbyterian Church (FP Church) in order to be fit for purpose as a community shop & post office. This also 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. Ultimately, 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. Since taking ownership, 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;
• Retail goods and services, including basic postal and banking services, provided from a village location within walking distance for most village residents;
• The shop provides a community focus;
• 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.
In addition, the shop building is no longer fit for purpose. 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. This is a vital service for the Raasay community but the current space just does not allow for a proper meeting area.
The project fits with the following priorities within the Skye & Raasay Place Plan: Climate Action, Strengthening Communities, Diverse & Green Economy, Transport infrastructure, Health & Education, Digital infrastructure & Organising Ourselves. The 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. The old shop will become local affordable housing accommodation
- A shop promoting wellbeing & supporting a thriving, increasing population
- A hybrid vehicle will be provided to transport islanders to the shop for those who do not drive, as well as collection of deliveries
- Locally sourced fresh food to promote health and wellbeing
- Digital connections accessible for customers
- Collaborative partnerships with local businesses
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 ‘meet and greet’ area whereby shop visitors 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, either part or full time.
Following a successful island consultation to purchase the FP Church and to determine if the FP Church was a viable option as a community shop & post office, CORRA achieved:
• a second SLF stage 1 award which covered valuation, surveys, architect and QS support at the pre purchase stage
• a Community-Led Regeneration grant (CRF) which covered 240 hours of project officer support to assist CORRA in taking forward the pre development stage of the project.
• A significant direct donation from a member of the community.
- An HIE grant towards the purchase of the FP Church
Following successful purchase in 2025, CORRA now requires to raise additional funds for the complete renovation (currently estimated at £1.5m but subject to revised costings). The island has already raised funds 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 now a key focus with scheduled diarised events as well as launching our own fundraising website and associated fundraising literature. Funding applications are being submitted as and when we meet the criteria and approved timings. It is also envisaged that the current shop will be sold for local affordable housing, the proceeds of which will go directly towards the new shop.
The project has already commenced and it is envisaged, subject to funding, the duration would be 3 years (2028).
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