Uig Community Shop
A tiny rural shop in the Uig district of Lewis is a glowing example of community enterprise.
Four hundred villagers own shares in the Uig shop on the remote west coast of the island. They stepped in to rescue it when the previous owners retired in 2004. It is an unique set-up with the local community owning its own life-line village shop. It is a community co-op - a return to 25 years ago in the Highlands and Islands before the community co-op movement waned.
Nestling in a stunning location above a mile of stretching sands the Uig shop now offers what is thought to be the UK's most westerly laundrette.
Importantly, it is the largest employer in the district with 12 workers, a focal point for the community and a great facility for tourists being close to one of the islands' most scenic beaches.
Shop stock is supplied by the Scottish Co-op and the post office for the area has also been saved as a result. It is the only petrol station around for about 40 miles and though the retail price of petrol is higher than in town at least the profits goes to the community. In any case, without the shop people would not be able to buy fuel at any price.
Turnover has doubled since villagers took it over and the shop reinforces its role in the community by providing an outlet for crofters' produce and local crafts. There are plans afoot to install a wind turbine and solar panel thus embracing renewable energy to power the shop. A cafe, public internet access and a video conference service are being installed.