Well, I’m sorry that the Co-op is selling two of its stores in Portlethen to McColl’s. When they gave up the shop in Newtonhill, it went downhill rapidly. Hopefully McColl’s will maintain the standard set by the Co-op.

I was in the shop at the Green this afternoon and there are notices up saying it closes on Saturday 18 February and will reopen under the new owners on Tuesday 21 February. One of the notices says they would like “to thank you for your custom.” It’s been a pleasure.

I understand that the Co-op at Rowanbank Road will also close on 20 May, to re-open as a McColl’s. That will leave the Hillside branch as the sole Co-op in town.

The post office branch will remain in the Rowanbank Road store.