Highland MSP Donald Cameron urges communities to tap into Government funds available to save local shops and post offices

A Highlands and Islands MSP is encouraging local community groups to consider applying to the UK Government’s £150m Community Ownership Fund to secure the future of local amenities.

The Conservative Party list member believes the find can be key to preserving post offices, village shops and other community assets at risk of closure.

Mr Cameron said: “All too often, communities across the Highlands and Islands have lost their local shops in recent years, which has been a real blow to their sense of community as well as being very inconvenient, especially for elderly residents or those without access to a car.

“There will be several bidding rounds over the coming years and I would encourage local community groups who may be concerned about the future of their local shop or post office, to take a close look at the criteria for applying.

"They may find it provides enough funding to make community ownership viable."

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