Scottish Co-op is marking Highland 2007 with the launch of a travelling exhibition offering a fascinating insight into the history of the Co-op in the Highlands, Islands and the North East through pictures and personal reminiscence.  Visitors to the exhibition will be able to record their memories too.

The consumer-owned Co-op will launch the exhibition in Wick on Saturday (June 23) at the start of The Moray Firth Flotilla 2007 which Scottish Co-op is supporting with shore side activity throughout the week-long event.

The ‘Co-operation – It’s A Community Thing’ exhibition will feature at all of the Flotilla’s six ports of call – Wick, Lybster, Helmsdale, Cromarty, Buckie and Portsoy. The exhibition and an accompanying booklet have been specially commissioned for Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture. Scottish Co-op, which serves the region with more stores than any other retailer, is a major partner to Highland 2007.

The booklet, ‘Co-operation and the Community Store in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland – History and Memory’ will be free to exhibition visitors – donations to the Aberlour children’s charity will be welcomed. It is also being provided free to libraries, museums and schools.

Local co-operative affairs officer Tor Justad, commented: “The Co-op was and is so much a part of the fabric of life in the north of Scotland and so many people have memories of shopping or working in the Co-op as well as taking part in community activities organised and supported by the Co-op.

“As a community retailer, the Co-op has played a significant role in the history of the region and continues to provide a service to many communities where other retailers are reluctant to trade. It was and is a significant employer and has contributed to community life throughout its history in the north of Scotland and the islands.  I am sure people will find the exhibition well worth a visit.”

Fiona Hampton, director of Highland 2007, said: “The support Scottish Co-op has given to The Moray Firth Flotilla, one the flagship events in the programme for Scotland’s year of Highland culture, is fantastic.  The Co-op is an organisation with a long and successful association with the Highlands and Islands and we are delighted to have them as a major partner to Highland 2007.”

Scottish Co-op will also have a marquee at Wick’s harbour, offering samples and tastings of Fairtrade and local products. Co-op members will be on hand to talk to visitors about the Co-op’s social goals agenda including action on issues such as climate change, while representatives of the Co-op’s travel business will provide advice on holidays.

The marquee and exhibition will also be at Portsoy harbour on Saturday, 30 June and Sunday, 1 July, for the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival when staff from the local Co-op store will be raising money for Aberlour, Scottish Co-op’s charity of the year, which helps vulnerable children.

Among the activities being organised by manager Linda Dunbar and her team is a competition with a prize of a two-minute trolley dash.  The staff are also supporting local charity Pedal For Keane which is organising competitions and raffles, and there is a chance to win a football autographed by the Aberdeen FC team.

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For further information please contact:
Joanna MacKerracher
public relations manager
Scottish Co-op
Tel: 0141-304 5560
Or   07836 510559 (mbl)      18 June 2007

Note to editors:

Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture, aims to promote the Highlands and Islands as a great place to live and to visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future.  The project is a partnership between three principal funding agencies: The Highland Council, the Scottish Executive, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.  The year long celebration of Highland culture in 2007 will incorporate an exciting range of major and community events, as well as capital projects and ‘The Highland Promise’ for young people.  See www.highland2007.com for full details.