Rural shops form 'backbone' of many Highland communities says Easter Ross MP amid fresh support pledge
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AN Easter Ross-based MP has pledged his support to 'community backbone' rural shops under pressure from large supermarkets.
Responding to the Association of Convenience Stores Rural Shop Report 2023, Jamie Stone has added his support to the Rural Shops Pledge.
By supporting the Rural Shops Pledge, the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP agrees to:
- Recognise the vital role that rural shops play in serving our communities.
- Call for more support for rural areas as part of the levelling up agenda.
- Support investment in digital infrastructure to enable reliable broadband and mobile coverage.
- Maintain a viable network of free-to-use ATMs.
The Rural Shop Report 2023 found that convenience stores in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross provide "local, flexible, and secure jobs for 978 people" and that they invest £63 million across Scotland.
Mr Stone said: "I have been a long-term supporter of the actions in the Rural Shops Pledge, but it's certainly rewarding to put my name behind a cohesive action plan.
"Shops in remote Highland villages are facing severe competition from large supermarkets which offer home delivery services, but it's vital that we do what we can to preserve and protect rural shops which form the backbone of our communities.
"These are the shops that are often within walking distance, which provide postal services, and are maintaining access to cash, all things which we should never take for granted.
"Convenience stores have a positive impact on communities, and I know for a fact that that's true, with more than 77 per cent of rural shops engaging in some form of community activity over the last year."
