Auchencairn is
a small village in South West Scotland with about 100 houses and a population
of around 500. Outlying properties increase this number considerably. It lies in a National
Scenic Area and hosts many tourists throughout the year. There is a projected increase in
village housing (app 25) which will increase the customer base.
The village shop
provides a service to its community. It “imports” goods and services for the
community. The potential to make a successful livelihood from this will to some extent be
determined by the size the population and other local competition. However, the energy and
vision of the proprietor to make use of local produce and crafts and develop a much wider
client base could be a far greater determinant in its success
Research shows
that, in order to ensure the village has a business which serves the villagers
needs in perpetuity, the enterprise needs to be Community owned. (Perhaps like the village
hall). . Past experience has shown that when the village shop is housed in a private rented
property that business is always at risk of closure by the landlord. If the property is owned by
the shopkeeper the business can also be closed by that shopkeeper should he wish to retire
and live in the property. This risk is ameliorated if the building is Community owned.
