Newtonhill’s village shop is changing hands after operating for a number of years as a Co-op store.

A spokesman for Scotmid Co-operative confirmed “that Scotmid will transfer ownership of the Newtonhill store on Friday, August 31 to Aberdeen-based food convenience store operator Sky Convenience Stores.” 

Local councillor Ian Mollison commented: “There had been fears for the future of the village shop – which has been in Skateraw Road for more than 100 years – following the opening of the Tesco store beside the A90. So the assurances I have received from the new owner will come as a relief to staff and customers.” 

Kanwar Pal Singh Chouhan will be in charge of the shop. He plans to make improvements regarding prices, organisation and variety of products.

He said: “I would welcome the views of local residents on how we can make this store a true convenience store for Newtonhill. I am in talks with different groups and my only approach is to get good variety of products with excellent prices for the residents. For example I will bring in good range of fruits and vegetables.

“Lottery and PayPoint services will continue as usual. The ATM machine will be removed from the wall for now, however I am in talks with few companies who can provide me ATM machine which will be free to use for the customers but will be inside the shop.

“I will take over the shop on August 31, starting at 7am. I will try opening the shop as soon as possible but it might not materialise that day. The shop will open at the normal time on 1 September. I am looking forward to this venture and the support of residents of Newtonhill to make it a success.”

Scotmid announced they will close the shop at 7.30pm on Thursday 30 August in preparation for the change-over. A notice pinned to the shop door thanked residents for their custom over the years.