A COMMUNITY bid to buy a business which has been at the heart of Dunbar High Street for nearly 20 years has received a boost.

A steering group looking to buy 43 High Street – home of the Crunchy Carrot – has been granted a stage one award from the Scottish Land Fund to finance its full application for a grant to buy the premises outright.

The volunteers, who will shortly be forming an official Community Benefit Society, aim to buy the building and the business.

The grocer’s shop will then be re-branded the Community Carrot but continue to trade with the same ethos as the current shop: a strong social, ethical and environmentally friendly focus, sourcing locally where possible, with many of the existing staff expected to remain. The initial award will pay for a building survey and valuation, finalising the business plan and enabling further community engagement and research.

Isobel Knox, chairwoman of the steering group, said: “We are hugely encouraged by this award, which shows we’re on the right track with our work to keep this much-loved shop at the heart of Dunbar High Street.

“We would encourage Dunbar residents to get involved with the project: we’re looking for more steering group members, and would particularly welcome anyone with skills and experience in business, PR or marketing.”

The owners of the Crunchy Carrot – Jo Gibson, Chris Eden and Sarah Wall – announced last year their intention to step down but stressed they would prefer to see the business remain in place.

A survey and public meeting last year demonstrated support for a community-owned business.

Nearly 90 per cent of the more than 100 responses said it was “very important” that the Crunchy Carrot remained open.

The Scottish Land Fund distributes grants of up to £1 million to enable communities to buy buildings and land that matter to them.

The Community Carrot group is applying for money to buy the shop building and will then issue a community shares offer to pay for the business, stock, assets and refurbishment.

Suggestions are being sought for additional ideas to give the business a new lease of life.

Suggestions are welcomed by email to communitycarrot@gmail.com or through the Community Carrot Facebook page.