Residents at a Moray care home have overcome coronavirus restrictions by opening a corner shop in a garden summer house.
National Covid-19 rules currently prohibit outside visits to limit the chances of the virus being brought inside the premises.
The rules have led to concerns across the country about isolated residents losing contact with the outside world.
However, a dedicated store for residents has been opened in Buckie to recreate the experience of visiting their local shop – complete with face covering and social distancing signs.
Shelves in the summer house outside the neighbouring Parklands and Burnbank care homes have been stocked with the latest newspapers, magazines and puzzle books as well as sweet treats and toiletries.
Old photographs of Buckie and the surrounding area as well as vintage advertisements have also been hung on the walls of the Lipton’s general store to rekindle memories among residents.
Retired shopkeeper Ishbel Taylor, who ran Milne’s newsagents in the town for 30 years, was chosen to open the not-for-profit venture.
Seats and a table have been set up inside the shop to let residents share a conversation while browsing the offering.
Tim Wright and Gary Johnson, whose partners both work at the care home, built the garden store, which has come complete with special shelves and hooks.
A shop counter was also by the local branch of Howdens to provide a worktop to complete transactions.
Lisa Toogood, who is activities coordinator at the care homes, developed the idea to open the shop due to residents missing the experience of visiting local stores.
She said: “I would normally take our residents into town for their shopping but, with the current restrictions on outside visits, that isn’t possible.
“I thought it would be a nice idea to instead recreate the shopping experience and bring it closer to home since the residents enjoy it so much.
“It was lovely to see Mrs Taylor, who is a familiar and much-loved part of the extended Parklands and Burnbank family, officially open our new shop.”
