Ardgay Stores owners ‘overwhelmed’ by community response after ‘heartbreaking’ robbery
Owners of an Ardgay shop and take-away targeted by thieves say they are “lost for words” after a show of support from its local community.
Thieves made away with cash after breaking a window at Ardgay Stores on Tuesday, October 24, leaving owners Holly and Adam Wardrop so distressed that they were contemplating whether or not to continue with the shop.
The village store, which usually opens every day of the week, had been closed for a rare day-off when it was broken into at night.
Holly Wardrop said: “It is very rare they we have a day off, but we had closed for an appointment. When we came in and opened on Wednesday morning we found the window smashed, window frame broken and they had stolen our till drawer.
“It’s just the dread of it. It broke our heart and we felt horrible. But we’re getting there slowly. We finally have a new window which needs put in to place.”
As well as the loss of cash stolen from the premises, the couple were forced to close while police carried out their investigations, resulting in further loss of trade.
Police are still investigating the incident.
Responding to the theft, members of the community were joined by Culrain Hall committee in pulling together to raise money for the couple.
Ms Wardrop added: “As two people who moved to the Scottish Highlands, the support we’ve received from the local community has been very humbling.
“The support we’ve received has been endless. We can’t put in to words how thankful we are to everyone. It’s so overwhelming. We couldn’t do it without the community.”
Marieke de Jong, a customer of Ardgay Stores, said the shop had become an “institution” in the village and that she was only too glad to help after asking neighbours to “pitch in” for a gift for the couple.
She said: “Everyone here is struggling with inflation and the costs of being remote, yet they generously give to others.
“I'm so touched by this display of community support and astounded by the generosity of our local people.”
“Holly and Adam are really highly thought of and the Ardgay store itself is an institution that has saved many a desperate shopper.
“The Culrain community decided to do something nice for them at this challenging time and raised £120 as a gift to them.
“Most of this has been made up of private donations from individuals pitching in and for a tiny community this is an impressive amount of money to be raised.”
A spokesperson for Culrain & District Hall Committee said they felt they wanted to make good the theft and damage caused and were determined to help and repay the kindness shown to them through the stores' support of hall events over recent years.
Hall chair, Graham Charge said: "The people of Culrain are a kind and caring community who could not stand by when Holly and Adam needed support.”
