Scotmid has opened the doors to a new Torphins store after a substantial six-figure investment in a former Presbyterian Free Church.
The new store will be double the size of the current store on
The Square, which trades under the Morning Noon & Night banner,
and will include the Post Office.
Scotmid's Property department has been working closely with
Historic Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council Planning Department to
ensure that the conversion is carried out sympathetically and in
line with regulations. Many key feature of the building have been
retained or reinstated, such as the stained glass windows.
Steve Ferguson, Scotmid's Regional Business Manager for the
area, said: "Everyone in Torphins is very excited about the new
store. It will be one of only a few food stores in the country to
be located in an old church."
Carol Harmson, Store Manager, said, "Scotmid prides itself on
being a vital part of the local community and we look forward to
serving our Torphins customers from this amazing new store with an
improved range of products and some great money-saving deals."
Torphins will be Scotmid's most eco-friendly store with features
such as doors on fridges and energy saving lights which will adapt
to the lighting level produced naturally.
The Post Office was officially taken over by Scotmid in August
and has been operating from the local chemist. The Post Office had
previously been due to close completely until Scotmid came in with
a last minute deal to keep it open, saving customers from having to
travel six miles away to the Post Office in Banchory.
Scotmid differs from many other retailers in that it is governed
by the principles of co-operation and is committed to supporting
the communities it serves. It operates a Community Grant scheme
which provides financial support to a range of community
initiatives and helps to enhance the lives of people in the local
area. The people of Torphins are invited to apply to the scheme.
Customers will also have the opportunity to become members of the
Scotmid Co-operative Society.
The new store is at 3 Craigour Road.