Community Awaits Funding Decision on Future of Foyers Stores

The Stratherrick and Foyers community is currently awaiting a decision from Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust on an application submitted by Boleskine Community Care to complete the funding package required to secure the community purchase of Foyers Stores.

Boleskine Community Care has been working with local residents over the past year to bring the shop, café and Post Office into community ownership, safeguarding a vital service for people living on the south side of Loch Ness. The project has already secured significant funding support, including a major award from the Scottish Land Fund, but requires a final contribution to enable the purchase to proceed.

The application currently under consideration by Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust relates to this remaining funding gap. The Trust manages the local community benefit fund on behalf of the area, supporting projects that deliver long-term benefit for the people of Stratherrick and Foyers. Foyers Stores plays a crucial role in daily life locally, particularly for older residents, families, and those without regular access to transport. As the only shop on the south side of Loch Ness between Inverness and Fort Augustus, its continued operation is widely seen as essential to the sustainability and resilience of the community.

Looking ahead, the community acquisition of the building would also enable a second stage of the project. This next phase would focus on renovating the currently unused upstairs accommodation to create three affordable flats for local people, helping to address housing pressures in the area while generating long-term income to support the sustainability of the shop and wider community services.

Local support for the project has been strong, with widespread engagement through public meetings, surveys and written letters of support. Community members are now keenly awaiting the outcome of the Trust’s decision, which will determine whether the purchase can move forward as planned.

A spokesperson for Boleskine Community Care said:

“We are extremely grateful for the time and care Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust is giving to this application. This final funding decision is critical to securing Foyers Stores for the long term, and we remain hopeful that, together, we can see this important community asset protected for future generations.”

Further updates will be shared with the community as soon as a decision is confirmed.