Inverness hospice shop move to prime Eastgate site brings differing opinons
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THE news that one of Inverness city centre’s smartest outlets is to become the new shop premises for a cherished charity divided views when it was revealed last week.
The Courier reported how Highland Hospice is to move its charity shop from Queensgate to the former home of Laura Ashley in Falcon Square after it posted an advert for a manager to lead the new venture.
Opinion was split on social media, with many keen to see the doors open as soon as possible while others queried whether it was the right move.
Mark Lawless said: “Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of time for the hospice and the work they do, and grudge them nothing, but this is a shame.
“This should be a high-end retail space. Our city is fast becoming a place full of empty spaces or low quality shops.
“With our government determined to kill off hospitality too, there soon will be no reason to come into town at all.”
Audrey Whitfield defended the plan however, saying: “Some charity shops are upmarket. Look at Stockbridge in Edinburgh – and surely better the hospice to use it than it being boarded up, because who else is going to go there?”
Others pointed out that the hospice already runs more “boutique”style shops in both Beauly and Dornoch.
Janine Findlay, hitting back at detractors, said: “I hear what some of you are saying but the way things are going don’t knock it until you try it.”
Andrew Leaver, the hospice’s head of fundraising and development, said: “We are a local charity committed to the city centre of Inverness and it is in our interest to make sure the Falcon Square shop is of the highest standard achievable, both to ensure we make good income and also to maintain Inverness city centre as an attractive and thriving shopping district. We are delighted that the Eastgate Centre, and so many of individuals in the community, have faith in our ability to do this and we look forward to welcoming customers in the first quarter of the New Year.”
What do you think of the planned move? Email us at newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk to let us know.
