Interest in securing future of Nethy Bridge's village store and post office
Options are being considered to ensure that a Strathspey community does not lose its vital general stores and post office after its recent closure.
As the Strathy reported recently Nethy Bridge’s Spar shop footfall was proving unsustainable.
“It’s very sad, as I have enjoyed serving the community and have been very grateful for the customers’ support over the years,” said Andy Young when he closed the door for the final time at his 32 years of service.
He had bought the then small corner shop and spent much of his time developing it significantly, hugely increasing its range of products and services, but on approaching his 72nd birthday he had had to be realistic about the viability of the business, notably after the toll taken by the Covid pandemic and supermarket deliveries.
The store closed on February 15 with Mr Young considering its options.
No sooner had the Strathy reported the story than it heard from one potential buyer.
“Saw your article last night regarding the Spar Shop/PO Nethy closing on Wednesday,” wrote one reader.
“I have been looking to buy a shop and PO in the Highlands for some time. I have just sold a business and I could offer a lot to the community.”
Other interest was also being shown, the Strathy understands, but at the same time the village’s community development company already had the issue high on its agenda.
A committee meeting agreed to look into the possibility of a community buy-out.
One of its directors, John Kirk, said that he and another community company colleague had also met with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Cairngorms National Park Authority officials for advice and information.
“The meeting went very well,” said Mr Kirk.
“There’s no word yet, but we would like to buy it and then rent it to someone.”
