Easter Ross charity shop set to close its doors due to 'insufficient income'
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A charity shop in Tain will close its doors at the end of April having been unable to source the necessary income to continue.
Made in Tain, a gifts and crafts shop on Tower Street in Tain, made the decision to close permanently due to the "associated pressures" of the Covid-19 pandemic and a significant income shortfall.
The shop was opened in 2013 by The Digit Group, an enterprise group of young people who attended Dornoch Academy, Invergordon Academy, Golspie High School, St Duthus Special School and Tain Royal Academy.
The charity initially worked with school leavers in their transition from school. More recently, the charity helped young people with additional support needs by providing them with a place to engage in meaningful activity when the usual routes beyond school might not be available.
Students at Made In Tain made products such as soaps and scented candles under the care and guidance of their support staff, which were then sold in their shop on Tower Street.
Mark Janes, a trustee for the enterprise, said: "Over the past two years, Made In Tain has faced many challenges, most notably the pandemic and its associated pressures on the enterprise, but also the stepping down of our founder.
"Last September we successfully re-opened the shop and started taking in students in limited numbers.
"However, footfall in the shop has been more limited, and our normal sources of students have not been forthcoming, meaning that we have insufficient income to cover our costs.
"Our treasurer has a very clear picture of our current and future financial position and, as a board, we feel it is better to act now and wind up the enterprise in a structured and orderly manner, rather than crashing into insolvency later in the year.
"This is giving us the opportunity to provide the best care and terms for our two fabulous staff members, and also to do our best in finding some continuity for our current students."
The decision was taken after a period of considerable data-trawling and soul-searching on the part of the trustees, along with a comprehensive presentation, and question and answer session with their 30 members and supporters.
Mr Janes added: "We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Made In Tain over the past 10 years, either by volunteering, providing financial support or buying items in the shop.
"Our shop will remain open until late April and we’ll also be attending the community markets in April and May. It would be enormously helpful to us if folk could purchase a few items and help us clear our stock."
