The Killin and Ardeonaig Trust (KAT) welcomed visitors, including Lord Provost Elaine Watterson, through the doors of ‘Fassiefern’ for the first time on Friday (28 February).
It has been transformed by an allocation of £288,000 from Stirling Council, from funding awarded through the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme.
KAT took over the keys to the former Co-op in May 2023 and have now developed the site into a local business and learning hub, re-use shop, community fridge and tool library.
They negotiated a transfer with the Co-op after the supermarket moved to a new site in the village. KAT also secured £207,000 from The Scottish Land Fund to buy the building, with the money allocated by Stirling Council to help with the re-fit costs.
Imaginative
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said: “Stirling Council’s Economic Strategy aims to create opportunities for all, promote sustainability and inclusivity, as well as the growth of local communities and businesses. I know the people of Killin and Ardeonaig will ensure Fassiefern thrives for the benefit of all.
“It is a bold and imaginative project that will have a meaningful impact on the communities of Killin and Ardeonaig for many years to come.
“By taking the lead in its delivery, the community have identified and developed an inspirational facility that will quickly become well used – and well loved.”
Partners
Jane Calder, chair of Killin and Ardeonaig Development Trust, said: “We’re delighted to see the old Co-op being given a new lease of life with the opening of Fassiefern.
“We would like to thank our funding partners, including Stirling Council, and we hugely appreciate all the work carried out by our amazing staff and team of volunteers in the local community. We would also like to pay tribute to the people of Killin for their patience, ongoing support and for all the donations they have made, as well as those to come.
“We very much look forward to welcoming the community to the tool library, particularly as we head into spring and summer, and the community fridge is open and available to all. We can’t wait to see the new Employability Project up and running, in conjunction with Stirling Council, to support our young people into work or further education.
“We are also encouraging businesses and entrepreneurs to consider taking on our retail space, currently vacant but ready for a new tenant. It's a great space for a new business on Killin Main Street.”