Gargunnock Village Store
The Gargunnock Village Store is the only shop in this small rural community. Gargunnock is far enough away from the shops in the nearby City of Stirling for it to be a necessity here but not so far that it can rest on its laurels. It has to be more than just a shop and that it certainly is.
Since taking over earlier this year Lovat and Carol have implemented a programme of ongoing changes and improvements. Where that meant altering the fabric of the building, local firms were employed to do so. Where changes to the range of products sold were made, local suppliers were sourced as far as possible with the emphasis on quality. It now provides a better range of food products than might be expected in a shop of its size and the notice boards displayed outside continually entice one in to try the latest products or take advantage of special offers. You may easily purchase all you require for a whole meal from its well-stocked shelves.
The Post Office is also located here with cash withdrawal facilities as is a photocopier and fax machine. Those who attend the surgery run by the Kippen medical practice will find their prescriptions awaiting them in the shop on the following day. Many charities make use of the shop to display their collection tins and the local voluntary magazine, the Gargunnock News, depends on it as its only point of purchase. Other local organisations also use it as a distribution point for leaflets etc.
The staff are almost all local. They are all pleasant and personable and give the impression that they enjoy their work and are keen to help. Most importantly each one possesses a well-developed sense of humour!
But there are other ways in which our local store contributes to the community and that is by being an informal and pleasant meeting location for all who go there. Buying goods is only part of it. Within its walls friendships are forged, contacts are made, news is spread, help and advice are given or dispensed etc in good measure and by those means the feeling of living in a real, caring community is enhanced.
It is truly the case that more often than not you will return from a visit to our local shop feeling better than you did and with a smile on your face. That is a priceless commodity for any shop to stock….and ours does.
John McLaren
Editor – Gargunnock News Magazine
Image: 'The Shop'
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