Harris Community Co-operative

Harris Community Co-op, or Co-Chommun Na Hearadh in Gaelic, was set up In 1979, when the existing village shop in Leverburgh looked likely to close down. A community co-operative was set up and, by selling local shares at £25 each, sufficient funds were raised to allow the community to run its own enterprise.

As a co-operative, community-owned and managed by a voluntary committee, the shop is a corporate member of the Co-operative Group and can order goods directly through the Group. The shop provides a regular supply of good quality goods, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables and it has made a real difference to the quality of produce and the shop's viability.

All profits are re-invested in the business and in 2007 the community co-op was able to purchase its building outright. Since then it has invested heavily, with a sizeable extension, re-devloping the sales areas, re-wiring the building and installing new windows and doors

The shop maintains a full-time manager and 6 full-time staff. In addition to catering for local shopping needs, the co-op also provides a craft shop and exhibition area for the many visitors that come to the Isle of Harris each year.