The only shop on the island of Coll is playing a lifeline role in ensuring its 180 residents get food and essentials during the lockdown.
The general store had to close to the public due to the pandemic, while travel restrictions mean the islanders are currently not able to travel to Oban for their shopping.
But with help from volunteers, owners Paula Jamieson and Dougie Brown set up an order and delivery service. Residents now use a newly-created website to shop online and stock up when freight deliveries to the island arrive three times a week.
The store, called TES (The Ethical Sales Co) Coll, received a share of the £10,000 awarded to community group, Development Coll, through the Scottish Government’s Supporting Communities Fund.
The money has helped cover the cost of bringing food and essential items to the island, meaning cheaper prices than normal for shoppers.
The fund is administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in the region and has also been used to supply PPE to staff at the shop and filling station.
Paula Jamieson said: “The money helps to provide food and essentials to every resident on the island at a more affordable cost. No-one has had to leave the house for groceries and everyone gets what they need.
“Being resilient is a way of life for islanders. We know how to cope when supplies don’t arrive or when we are cut off from the mainland and we are always looking out for our neighbours.
“Our business had to be creative and adapt literally overnight and the fund has made a big difference to us and will benefit everyone who lives on the island.”
Peter McDonald, HIE senior development manager at HIE in Argyll, said the shop is providing a crucial service for the island community.