Papay Community Co-op
Welcome to Papay Community Co-op - a well-stocked shop owned and run by the local community.
We are situated on the island of Papay - around 25 miles North West of Kirkwall. A wide range of goods are available from our shop including fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh bread and dairy, groceries, Fairtrade goods, wines and beers, household goods, souvenirs, gifts and local produce.
We also have petrol/diesel pumps, a guest house/hostel and provide island tours during the summer.
We can accept all major credit and debit cards.
Contact details
Papay Community Co-operative
Beltane House
Papa Westray
Orkney
KW17 2BU
telephone: 01857 644 321
fax: 01857 644 321
email: beltanepapay@aol.co.uk
Opening hours 2009
| Monday | 10am - 12pm and 3pm - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 12pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 12pm and 3pm - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 12pm and 3pm - 5pm |
| Friday | 3pm - 5pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 12pm and 8pm - 9pm |
| Sunday | closed |
About our shop
Papay is a small island situated around 25 miles North West of Kirkwall and its transport links include regular air and ferry routes. It is 4 miles long by 1 mile wide and has a population of 80. As well as the community co-op, we have a primary school, community hall, kirk, post office/craft shop, piers and airstrip and heritage museum on the island. The island has important archaeological sites and areas for nature conservation, including the North Hill RSPB Reserve.
In 1978 the island shop was threatened with closure and in response the local people decided to start a community co-operative to take over the business and run the shop. Through selling £25 shares, the Papay Community Co-op managed to raise funds, which were matched by the Highlands & Islands Development Board (now Highlands & Islands Enterprise). This enabled the Co-op to employ a full time Manager to run the business which included a retail store, guest house/hostel, petrol & diesel and other services.
As a co-operative, the Papay shop became a corporate member of the Co-operative Group, which allowed it to order goods directly through the Group. This has enabled the shop to provide a regular supply of quality goods, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables and has made a real difference to the quality of produce and the shop’s viability.
The shop fulfils a vital role on the island enabling people to meet as well as allowing them to carry out almost all of their weekly shopping locally. All profits are re-invested in the business and together with a good level of local commitment and support, have helped the shop continually improve and expand over the years.
Stock and services
We try to cater for all our customers needs in what we stock and the services we offer.
As a community co-op we have a close link with the Co-operative Group which means you will see many Co-operative Group products and promotions in our store as well as a range of locally sourced goods:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Chilled and frozen goods
- Fresh bread, pies and bakery
- Groceries, soft drinks, sweets and snacks
- Baby food, nappies etc
- Wine, beer, spirits and cigarettes
- Some household and hardware goods
- Pet food and accessories
- Coal
- Maps and books
- Newspapers and magazines
- Post cards, greetings cards and wrapping paper
- Gifts and souvenirs
Local produce
A range of local produce is sold, including fresh bread and dairy products, biscuits, seasonal fruit and vegetables and souvenirs.
Fair trade
We are fair trade shop, and sell a wide range of fair trade goods, including coffee, tea, wine, chocolate, sweets, biscuits, fruit juice, sugar, jam, honey and more.
Services
- Mobile phone top-up
- Cash-back facility
- DVD rental
- Home delivery
- Community notice board
- Tourist information
Where to find us
The shop is centrally located on Papa Westray. Further information about Papa Westray is available at www.papawestray.co.uk and at www.visitorkney.com/papawestray
View Papay Community Co-op in a larger map
Ordering and delivery
If you are visiting the area we can make up an order for you for collection from the shop or delivery to your holiday accommodation.