Acquisition Process

Ensuring the long-term future of Foyers Stores and the Post Office was identified as the number one priority in the Community Action Plan (CAP). In response, Boleskine Community Care (BCC) took on the responsibility of leading the acquisition project on behalf of the community.

We began by applying to the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) Stage 1 Grant, and our application was successful. This allowed us to commission Community Enterprise, an independent consultancy, to carry out a detailed community consultation and prepare a full feasibility study. Their work confirmed that this was a viable and important project for our area, and they were then commissioned to develop a comprehensive business plan.

Once the business plan was drafted, we worked closely with SLF on the Stage 2 application. SLF requested a number of refinements to the business plan, and after several iterations, Version 4 was submitted. We expect to receive a decision from SLF on Tuesday 9 December, which, if successful, will provide the majority of funding required for the purchase.

Alongside this, we have also submitted our application to Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust (SFCT), which aims to secure around 35% of the total project cost. As we await decisions from both SLF and SFCT, we are now getting ready to launch a pledge campaign, ahead of a full Community Share Offer, with a community investment target of £50,000.

This has been our journey so far, careful, community-led, and grounded in a commitment to protect this essential local asset for generations to come.