Kilchoan Primary School create banner to support Shop project
Proposal code:
THC-2026-02-53
A community‑led sustainable development to replace our recently closed shop and fuel, with added EV facilities; providing essential local services, community benefit and strengthening resilience
Estimated Price
500000
WHAT WE WANT TO DO
Led by the WACDC, a constituted not-for-profit entity, this project will deliver a new shop, fuel station and EV charging facilities in the heart of the village. The project is investment ready, with planning submitted. The shop will operate as a long-term community asset owned by WACDC. The asset will be leased to a professional operator, generating a reliable income stream that WACDC will oversee and reinvest for community benefit. This approach ensures the project delivers high impact for its investment, securing essential services while creating lasting social, economic and environmental benefit. The new facility will provide essential groceries, local produce and services including fuel and EV charging. Its location beside existing village hubs; community centre, café, hotel and pub, creates an accessible focal point for social interaction, economic activity and visitor spend. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the shop, lease terms will be structured to generate sufficient income to cover ongoing costs, including insurance, routine maintenance and longer-term upkeep of the shop building, fittings, fuel and EV charging infrastructure. Once established, the shop will not rely on further grant funding for its operation. The project will provide WACDC with a recurring revenue stream, reducing reliance on future grants and strengthening the organisation’s ability to maintain assets and support future community development.
WHY ITS IMPORTANT
In 2016 WACDC commissioned a feasibility study, which confirmed that a local shop and fuel station is an essential infrastructure for West Ardnamurchan, particularly for elderly and vulnerable residents as a daily point of contact in a small remote rural community. The closure of the local shop and fuel station in October 2025 has far reaching consequences for the long-term future of the local community and the businesses operating within it. Access to groceries, fuel and charging facilities within their community will directly benefit approximately 300 permanent residents who currently rely on Kilchoan for essential services. Within the local population are elderly residents (47% over 65), households without private transport options, and individuals for whom long journeys to alternative shops represent a significant barrier. The shop will also serve a substantial number of visitors and seasonal residents, including users of local holiday accommodation and day-trippers travelling via the Kilchoan / Tobermory ferry route (which carry circa. 45,000 passengers per year) or via B8007 single track road. Tourist attractions such as the Ardnamurchan Distillery and natural beauty spots attract tens of thousands of visitors each year; 20,000 tour tickets were sold at the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse in 2025. The delivery of the project is reliant on a team of over 40 volunteers from across the community.
The project aligns with the following priorities in the Lochaber Area Place Plan:
Place: Increasing Community Resilience, Transport: Improving Transport Infrastructure, inc for emergency services, Environmental: Supporting communities and Businesses to continue transition to net zero, Tourism Management: Support to local businesses, Economic: Promote business development in Lochaber, encourage local organic food opportunities, Employment: Encourage long term employment contracts, Collaboration working: Strengthen collaboration with communities, provide resources and funding to communities with limited capacity or resilience
PROJECT IMPACT
The Project is designed to deliver clear economic, social and environmental outcomes that directly address the loss of essential services in West Ardnamurchan.
Outcome 1: Restoration of access to essential local services including fuel Residents will regain reliable access to everyday essentials within Kilchoan, significantly reducing the need for long journeys. Emergency services can rely on rapid access to fuel to respond quickly and keep residents safe
Outcome 2: Strengthened local economy and employment Direct employment through operation of shop, benefit for nearby businesses through increased footfall and visitor confidence
Outcome 3: Long-term community resilience through community ownership Sustainable income for investment into community benefit
Outcome 4: Improved quality of life for elderly and vulnerable residents Convenient access to daily essentials and act as a social focal point, helping reduce isolation
Outcome 5: Support for sustainable transport and reduced emissions Provision of EV charging will reduce emissions and support the transition to low-carbon transport
KEY MILESTONES AND NEXT STEPS
WACDC held open community meetings on 15 October and 20 November 2025, each attended by 100–150 people. After presentation of options, open discussion and a democratic vote, there was unanimous support to develop a new shop and fuel facility on a site opposite the community centre; with better accessibility, visibility, parking and integration with existing village facilities. A suitable site has been made available to the community by the local landowner. Application for full planning, submitted on 5.12.25, is at recommendation stage. Structural engineer site visit took place 16.1.26. Crowdfunder launched 30.1.26 https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/kilchoan-shop, as of 22.02, 52k raised. Funding application for 340k made to SSE HSDF on 20.1.26. Donations are being sought from local businesses, enquiry registered with HIE funds and with EST, we are also exploring other public/trust funds. Estimated cost breakdown: Building Structure 130k, EV Charger 30k, Fuel pumps / tanks 70k, Groundworks 160k, Professional Fees 25k, Shop Fitting 15K, Utilities 10K, Landscaping 5K,12% Contingency 55K. Actual costings will be submitted once confirmed
ANTICIPATED START / END DATE
Construction schedule is over 4-month period, current dates are pending approval of planning application: Detail is in the attached project timeline.
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