A new charity project aims to boost development in an east Perthshire town while raising money for a range of good causes.
Forward Coupar Angus has taken the reins of a community outlet in the town’s George Street.
The new look Reuse Shop aims to reduce the town’s carbon footprint and support a variety of local and national charities.
The unit was bought by the group thanks, in part, to funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund. Forward Coupar Angus’ successful bid prevented it from being lost to the community and converted into housing.
The first charity to benefit from the new project will be Macmillan Cancer Support.
Local SNP MSP John Swinney officially launched the project at an opening ceremony attended by Forward Coupar Angus chairman John Palfreymen and other volunteers.
“I have always been impressed by Forward Coupar Angus’ longstanding commitment to reducing the local community’s carbon footprint,” said Mr Swinney.
“I was therefore delighted when the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund provided funds to help the group purchase the local charity shop and transform it into a reuse centre.”
He added: “This centre will continue to support several worthwhile organisations, including Macmillan Cancer Support.
“Macmillan provide invaluable guidance and support to those affected by cancer, and it is only right that their important work is highlighted and supported.”
Mr Palfreyman said: “Forward Coupar Angus was delighted when the Climate Challenge Fund gave us funds to purchase the local charity shop.
“This, together with loans from various people in Coupar Angus, allowed us to buy the shop and the associated business.”
He said: “If Forward Coupar Angus had not bought the shop, it would have been lost to the town. The shop was due to be turned into a flat.
“Charity shops promote reuse, reuse reduces the CO2 production caused by manufacture of new goods, so reuse reduces our carbon footprint, a necessity if we are to prevent global warming. So in our small way, we are helping reduce the carbon footprint of Coupar Angus.”
He said the shop will also be used to promote the idea of reusing goods as way to reduce CO2 production.
