Community rallies round to give Portskerra shopkeeper a well-deserved send-off
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A north coast shopkeeper who served the community his whole life has been given a well-deserved send-off after his retirement earlier this year.
James Horne ran the shop and post office in Portskerra, Melvich, for 30 years, having previously served the area by van from Thurso.
The Horne family have served the community for over 80 years, with James's grandfather coming round with a van out of the shop in Thurso in the 1930s, which his father continued up until James took it over.
Earlier this month, James received a presentation at a well-attended afternoon tea in the Halladale Hall. He was gifted a wallet stuffed with notes as well as two pictures after a community collection.
Sandy Murray of Strath Halladale said that James bought the shop and took over the post office some 30 years ago. “James served the community all of his working life first with a well-stocked van and then an even better stocked shop, even all through Covid with the help of Rosemary Cameron.
“He never missed a day serving all who came in, with rules being kept to and only two in the shop at any one time - and through all that he never caught Covid himself or had a day off.”
James’s partner Hughine also received a bouquet of flowers. Rosemary was unable to attend the afternoon tea so she was presented with her picture and a bouquet of flowers at her home a week later by Debbie Murray.
Chloe Mackay of Melvich, Sidney Campbell of Strathy and Sandy – who organised the community collection – would like to thank all those who donated.
