Scottish Local Retailer of the Year 2023 Billy Gatt of Premier Whitehills in Aberdeenshire came to the rescue when the village library closed its doors.
“In rural areas there are heaps of libraries closing down,” he told SLR. “We were asked [by Aberdeenshire Council] if we could be a drop off and collection point for books. We don’t get paid anything, it’s just a service we provide so that it’s not lost to the community.”
In addition, the local Rainbows group, where Billy’s Granddaughter, Bella, is a member, has set up a ‘Little library’ book exchange in store where customers of all ages can swap books. The miniature library was made by Banff & Macduff Men’s Shed charity and decorated and filled by Whitehills Rainbows.
The initiatives are a true example of community spirit and a depiction of the ACS Local Shop Report findings which show c-stores are offering a broader range of services, to compensate for losses in the local area.
