An innovative grocery business set up to help people with learning disabilities get into work has set up shop in Peterhead.
The Fruit Mart was previously based in the nearby village of Longside, but has now moved to premises in the north-east port’s Skelton Street.
The charity shop is managed by Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE), which works towards improving health and wellbeing in local communities.
There are currently 17 people working at the shop, and CFINE offers support and employment guidance to adults with learning difficulties.
Volunteers at Fruit Mart can get “valuable” experience for their CV while customers are offered fresh fruits and vegetables at a discount price.
A CFINE spokeswoman said the new location had many advantages.
“The new premises is well situated for the local people and we are always looking for new volunteers,” she said.
“All profits are invested in the health and community development work that CFINE does in disadvantaged, excluded and vulnerable communities.”
The Fruit Mart was established in Longside five years ago with the aid of a Scottish Government scheme to transform private businesses into social enterprises.
The purchase of the Longside branch was backed by a £25,000 award from Aberdeenshire Fairer Scotland Fund, and last year CFINE won the Aberdeen Impact Award for established social enterprise of the year.
The Fruit Mart is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Customers can phone ahead with their orders, and businesses in the area can arrange deliveries.