Ross-shire village shop in the running to win a ‘rural Oscar’ at prestigious award ceremony
One of the biggest employers in a rural village is in the running to win a prestigious national award.
Laide Post Office, General Store and Filling Station is in the shortlist for the Countryside Alliance Awards — for the second consecutive year.
With six members of devoted staff, the team are proud to serve their local community with a wide range of goods.
Owner Debbie Townsend said: “Our customers are absolutely fantastic and support the shop in so many ways.
“We have six women employed and we are one of the largest employers in the area. Everyone is local who works for us.”
The shop has year-round employment and pays a living wage to its employees, which has undoubtedly led to the longevity of its staff members, with some working there for over 10 years.
The business is run by Debbie and her husband Andy who have had it for the past 13 years.
Alongside them they have Mina, Margaret, Ruth, Emily and Linda as well as two school students who work on Saturdays, Fox and Nancy.
“We’ve always had pupils from Gairloch High School come and work on Saturdays and during the holidays”, said Debbie.
“All our staff get on so well, and our customers are our friends.
“Work is so enjoyable because of this and we really appreciate that all of our customers do shop local and come to us for what they need.
“We are very honoured to be nominated once again and in the shortlist.”
She added: “Our business is made up of the shop, Post Office and 24-hour fuel pumps. We also make a mean hot chocolate!
“Our business is all about community.”
Loyal customers and patrons can now take part in a public vote to support the shop in the awards.
The champions will then be announced in Edinburgh at Rooftops, the National Museum of Scotland, on March 12.
Successful businesses will then go forward to the next round, competing against winners from across the country in the grand final. National winners will be announced June 18, at the House of Lords.
The businesses are judged on a range of criteria, including their passion and commitment, sense of community, championing local produce, and the energy and diversity of their business.
Dubbed as the ‘Rural Oscars’ they are now in their 17th year, and are a vital way of celebrating rural businesses that go the extra mile and support their local economy.
To vote for Laide Post Office, visit here.
