It took Shonagh Cruikshanks more than two years of hard work and determination to realise her dream but it all paid off this summer when she opened the Village Shop at East Saltoun, reversing a trend that has seen many villages lose retailers over the years.

And on Tuesday 30 September, she celebrates her success with a visit from East Lothian’s Provost Sheena Richardson together with friends and customers who have helped her along the way.

“ I got help from a lot of people but the commercial advice and help I received from Business Gateway at the Council and from the Provost was really important in gaining the confidence and knowledge to set up the shop.“

Shonagh is determined that her shop should be an integral part of the county’s economy, so she sources much of her produce locally. In a plug for her suppliers she said: “Vegetables come from Knowes Farm and Phantassie, Whitmuir Farm for sausages and bacon. Trusty Crust for bread and Yester Farm Dairy for milk. I also do lots of Fair Trade goods and of course, ice cream comes form Luca’s in Musselburgh. That way we all benefit.”

Provost Sheena Richardson said: “I wish Shonagh every success in her new business. I was delighted that East Lothian Investments (ELI Ltd.) was able to assist Shonagh financially in setting up her business but most of the credit must go to her because it takes a lot of hard work and determination to set up a business and even more to make it successful.

“Village shops are much more than retail outlets, they are also a meeting place and social focus for the community adding an important dimension to a small village like East Saltoun.”

ELI Ltd is the autonomous investment arm of the Council’s Economic Development Department.

ENDS

Issued by Rob Sinclair, Communications and Marketing, 26 September 2008
T. 01620 82 7741 M. 07887675547 Email rsinclair@eastlothian.gov.uk