Boat of Garten PO couple look to new generation
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Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to sell Boat of Garten Convenience Store & Post Office.
The owners, David and Beth Woolsey, have chosen to concentrate just on the business sale having been testing the market for some 18 months.
Mr Woolsey told the Strathy: “We’ve been running the place now for over 21 years and it’s busy, busy, busy, especially with other local post offices like Carrbridge and Nethy Bridge not operating at the moment.”
Mrs Woolsey explained: “We have a laugh every day and it’s a wonderful place to run a shop, in a fine community, but David and I really do think it’s time that younger people took it on – certainly they would be more up to speed with all the modern technology that’s involved these days.”
The business is the only convenience store and Post Office in the village, making it the hub of the local community.
The store generates most of its trade from local residents, as well as the ever-expanding tourist market due to Boat of Garten’s proximity to Aviemore and Inverness.
Liam Bain, business agent at Christie & Co, said: “This sale presents an excellent opportunity for a first-time buyer or experienced operator who could give the store full care and attention to unlock the potential for increased turnover and sales in many ways.”
Until now the Woolseys were offering the entire building for sale – including two flats above it – but Christie’s will be concentrating on the business premises.
Mr Bain said: “Boat of Garten Convenience Store & Post Office has come to the market as the current owners wish to concentrate on other business interests.”
The business is on the market on a freehold basis of £250,000.
Mr and Mrs Woolsey have always been very much at the heart of the Boat of Garten community during which time they were ultimately honoured by the Scottish Countryside Alliance for having ‘the best village post office’ in the country.
They aim to remain in the village at least for the foreseeable future.
