Plunkett UK has been awarded £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland to strengthen its support for community-owned shops across Scotland.
The funding will help Plunkett provide more support to open and trading community shops. The charity for rural community business says this will increase retail knowledge and helping the stores remain resilient and viable at a challenging time for the sector.
There are more than 50 community-owned shops in Scotland, including those that serve some of the country’s most remote rural and island communities. As well as providing access to everyday essentials, they can provide important local services, support jobs and volunteering, and bring people together, says Plunkett.
Plunkett adds that the money will help it build on its existing specialist support for community-owned shops through training and the sharing of knowledge and tailored advice.
The money will also support Plunkett’s 2026–31 strategy. The charity says this “places an increased focus on helping existing community businesses to remain strong and sustainable, alongside supporting new businesses to start”.
Working more closely with Scotland’s community shops will also help Plunkett listen to their needs and strengthen relationships with partners across Scotland, it adds.
“Community-owned shops make a real difference to rural communities,” said business support team leader Diane Cameron, “particularly in remote areas and on Scotland’s islands, where they can provide much more than somewhere to buy everyday essentials.
“This funding will help us strengthen the support we already provide, giving shops more opportunities to build their retail knowledge, learn from each other and plan for the future. Plunkett is there for the life of a community business, supporting shops through the opportunities and challenges that come with trading.”
