Morag Doherty stood alone on the dusty floor of her family's shop, The Ferry Stores, as she locked up the doors for the final time. For 66 years, the couple had run the only shop in the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula village of Kilchoan, serving its 200 residents with essential groceries, petrol, and post office services.
However, changing shopping habits and the rise of home delivery have left the small business struggling to stay afloat. "The final straw was when Morrisons started delivering goods directly to our customers," Doherty said, her voice laced with emotion. The once-thriving community hub now finds itself on the brink of collapse.
The challenges of keeping the shop well-stocked were daunting enough, but the 20-mile radius meant an eight-hour round trip – including a ferry crossing and treacherous single-track road drive – just to ensure customers' needs were met. It's no wonder the business had become increasingly difficult to sustain.
"This is not just our loss," Doherty said, her eyes welling up with tears. "Other rural shops are facing the same problems. You can't compete with home delivery and online shopping." The couple cited Morrisons as a prime example of how supermarkets have shifted their focus towards convenient deliveries, leaving small businesses like The Ferry Stores to suffer.
As news of the shop's closure spread, local MP Brendan O'Hara condemned the loss, stating it would strike at the heart of rural community life. "Without access to essential services and fuel, communities cannot remain sustainable," he warned, as the nearest filling station is now a 29-mile trek from Kilchoan.
The couple expressed heartfelt gratitude to their loyal customers and former staff members for their support over the years. They acknowledged that their decision to close was not an easy one but felt it was time to step into retirement, knowing they've served this village for seven years and been part of its history.
For Doherty, the closure marks the end of an era – a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by rural businesses in an increasingly digital age.
However, changing shopping habits and the rise of home delivery have left the small business struggling to stay afloat. "The final straw was when Morrisons started delivering goods directly to our customers," Doherty said, her voice laced with emotion. The once-thriving community hub now finds itself on the brink of collapse.
The challenges of keeping the shop well-stocked were daunting enough, but the 20-mile radius meant an eight-hour round trip – including a ferry crossing and treacherous single-track road drive – just to ensure customers' needs were met. It's no wonder the business had become increasingly difficult to sustain.
"This is not just our loss," Doherty said, her eyes welling up with tears. "Other rural shops are facing the same problems. You can't compete with home delivery and online shopping." The couple cited Morrisons as a prime example of how supermarkets have shifted their focus towards convenient deliveries, leaving small businesses like The Ferry Stores to suffer.
As news of the shop's closure spread, local MP Brendan O'Hara condemned the loss, stating it would strike at the heart of rural community life. "Without access to essential services and fuel, communities cannot remain sustainable," he warned, as the nearest filling station is now a 29-mile trek from Kilchoan.
The couple expressed heartfelt gratitude to their loyal customers and former staff members for their support over the years. They acknowledged that their decision to close was not an easy one but felt it was time to step into retirement, knowing they've served this village for seven years and been part of its history.
For Doherty, the closure marks the end of an era – a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by rural businesses in an increasingly digital age.
, it's like losing a part of Kilchoan's soul 
. 66 years is a huge commitment and it's heartbreaking that the rise of home delivery and online shopping has made it impossible for them to stay afloat 
. I can imagine how tough it must've been for Morag and her partner, constantly traveling those long distances just to keep up with customer needs 
. The fact that other rural shops are facing similar struggles just makes me wanna shout loud and proud about the importance of supporting our local businesses 
! We need to find a way to balance convenience with community spirit 
. I mean, who needs a 2-hour ferry ride and treacherous roads when you can just get your shopping online? It's about time those supermarkets stepped up their game with delivery services. And honestly, it's not like the villagers were getting the best deals anyway 
. The shop was already struggling to stay afloat. Maybe this is an opportunity for the village to rethink its needs and figure out what essentials they really need. I mean, have you seen the prices of petrol lately? 29 miles to the nearest filling station? That's just crazy! But honestly, I'm all for progress and change 
. The less traffic on those single-track roads, the better 
I'm literally devastated for Morag & her hubby 
They've been serving the community for 66 yrs, that's crazy 
. And to think Morrisons just swooped in & stole their customers with home delivery 
... it's just so unfair 
. I mean, what's next?! Will we lose our local post office too?! 
The thought of those 200 residents having to trek 29 miles for fuel is just heartbreaking 
. Thanks to Brendan O'Hara for speaking up & giving them some love 
, but it's too little, too late 
... now they get to enjoy their retirement in peace 
!
I mean what's gonna happen to all those folks in Kilchoan now? They'll have to drive 29 miles just to get some petrol 
and it's not like they can just order it online or get delivery 
. It's just not the same as having a community hub like that shop around. And poor Morag and her hubby, I feel bad for 'em 
I mean, that's what Morrisons is doing now, but it's just not the same as having a local business like that around. 
.
. It's a shame because these shops often provide so much more than just goods - they're community hubs, where people can catch up & chat with the owners 
.
. It's like, we're losing a piece of history here 
. Maybe there's still hope tho? Like, maybe there are ways to adapt & survive in this new age 
? 
no one can compete with their prices & delivery services 
small shops like the ferry stores are more than just places to buy stuff, they're community hubs 
rural areas gotta do somethin' about this or its gonna be a desolate place 
.
.
. this is the end of an era and rural businesses r facing some big challenges 
I mean, can't we just have our local shops thrive instead of struggling to stay alive? 
anyway morag & john were total legends for putting up with all those long drives just to restock the shelves 
. It's just so sad seein' these shops close down after servin' their communities for years.