The Times The Oban Times 22 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Thursday 30 April 2020 Thursday 30 April 2020 OPEN FOR BUSINESS 23

We are publishing this information in association with BID4OBAN and ObanFM, in association with supported by the ’s Towns Partnership. Helping to provide resilience for our local business community. Many of these businesses are working under extreme Open for pressure to bring quality products and services to the people of Oban and beyond. Please remember to exercise caution when shopping and only shop for essential supplies. Along with our wonderful NHS staff and carers, our local food, fuel, news platforms and home supply businesses are our community champions!

Offering FREE home delivery to PIAZZA Sat until 12.30pm BANK OF SCOTLAND BOOTS THE CHEMIST, GEORGE STREET Crowd control system in place to help manage social OFFICE/IT SERVICES AND ONLINE Oban - daily From 5.30pm, Thurs-Sun Tel: 01631 570047 Open for essential business: Mon-Sat 9am-4pm distancing in stores Kilmore and Dunbeg - Wednesday Tel: 01631 563628 Email [email protected] Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm Closed 1.30pm-2.30pm for lunch MATRIX COMPUTERS Connel, North Connel to Appin Thursday Collection or delivery Tel: 0345 602 0000 CREATURE COMFORTS Computer Support MUNRO’S GARAGE BOOTS THE CHEMIST, BESIDE DOCTORS Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-1pm providing telephone and remote support to home Card Payments preferred. Call the shop on 01631 TASTE OF KITCHEN Must pre-book , no walk-ins CLYDESDALE BANK Mon-Fri 11am-6pm 562016 to place your order. We are open for Creature Comforts is your local pet shop for Oban & and business customers, new and existing. Tel: We realise that many more businesses would love From Langoustine Curry to Highland Beefburgers - Tel: 01631 564463 to book your vehicles in. Open for essential business Closed 1pm-2pm for lunch surrounding area. We stock feeds & accessories for 01631 571571 to be open, serving locals and visitors alike – our customers who wish to visit the shop. lots in between Mon-Fri Also taking phone orders for collection. MORRISON MOTORS GORDON’S CHEMIST all kinds of pets & wild birds. Mail order deliveries Email [email protected] deepest empathy goes out to these businesses and Friday night deliveries (free to Oban, £3 on outskirts) Long term vehicle rentals 10am-2pm Mon-Sat 10am-5pm available. we look forward to seeing their doors wide open IAIN DARLING/WYNNE BUTCHERS Tel: 07882226675 Tel: 07825 581171 Tel: 0345 602 0000 Closed 1pm-2pm for lunch OBAN COMPUTER SERVICES when this is all over. 9am-3pm KINTALINE FARM Limited service for essential assistance OBAN FILLING STATION FIN’S PLACE TSB JOHN WALLACE OPTICIANS Mon-Sun 10am - 5pm by arrangement Please feel free to get in touch with us if you would To place orders call 01631 567400 Hot filled rolls, pies and sausage rolls etc Open for essential business: Tel: 01631 566561 like to feature your business, or know a business that Cards payments preferred Open for essential servicing OBAN PRACTICE Open 7am-6pm Tyres, brakes, batteries etc Mon-Fri Telephone consultations only 10DERIT should be included. Email nmurphy@obantimes. TASTE OF ARGYLL 10am-4pm closed 12.30-1.30 for lunch GARDEN CENTRES Computer Remote Support - no need for visits. co.uk or get in touch via our Facebook page on BIRCHWOOD FILLING STATION Tel: 01631 566 220 or 07766 757 013 Tel: 01631 563170 Mon-Sat 9am-4pm Tel: 01631 399 998 HOMEBASE OBAN Home and Business networks. messenger. Hot filled rolls SPECSAVERS Deliveries Open 7am-6pm TRAILWEST Open 10am-5pm daily [email protected] Let’s spread the word as much as we can! OBAN & KILMORE - Daily Closed doors but open for essential services for Reduced staff and hours, for emergency and Text/Whatsapp 07944124025 TAXIS - ESSENTIAL JOURNEYS ONLY essential eye care services. Card payment only TAYNUILT - Tuesday BUILDING, PLUMBING & DIY SUPPLIES repair plus new supply and hire to the agricultural It would be useful if you could check the SKU code SUPERMARKETS & FOODHALLS BENDERLOCH & BARCALDINE - Friday industry by telephone. ARGYLL TAXIS We are here behind closed doors for phone and OTHER INFORMATION video consultations and onward emergency referral of the product you want from the website before Most superstores in town are operating crowd To place your order call 07882226675. CITY PLUMBING SUPPLIES Tel: 01631 563638 Tel: 01631 565293 coming to the store. to hospital eye service when needed. WEST COAST MOTORS control measures to help manage social distancing Fresh and frozen fish, meats, veg, milk, breads, jams, Closed doors – phone and email orders only LORN TAXIS is now offering FREE travel to NHS and workers. The and product quantity limits are in place. They are coffees, soaps, flours, pasta, cakes, etc… EMERGENCY CALL OUT? Tel: 01631 564744 OFFICE/IT SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES CONVENIENCE STORES/NEWSAGENTS company is also working with local communities working tirelessly to restock shelves daily. Please be *Pre ordered ready meals available WE ARE HERE FOR YOU OBAN TAXIS and offering a delivery service for those most patient and kind. MILLSTONE WHOLEFOODS WITH OVER 20,000 SPARE PARTS TO GET THE JOB DM MACKINNON - SOLICITORS & NOTARIES Tel: 01631 564148/566676/564666 ALBANY STORES MATRIX COMPUTERS Computer Support vulnerable. Well done WCM! TESCO Closed but orders can be made by phoning 01631 DONE If you need to get in contact please call us on 01631 Mon-Sun 7am-6pm ETIVE TAXIS providing telephone and remote support to home ROYAL MAIL Mon-Sat 8am-10pm 562704 Browse online at www.cityplumbing.co.uk 563 014. If you are put through to our answering Tel: 01631 566880 SOROBA SHOP and business customers, new and existing. Royal Mail have restricted sorting office hours to Sunday 10am-8pm Orders will be gathered, payment is taken via phone Please call 01631 567640 for free click and collect machine, we will get back to you as soon as possible. Mon-Sun 10am-8pm Tel: 01631 571571 9am-11am Older, Vulnerable Customers - Mon, Wed, & Fri call. Mon-Fri Alternatively, please email us at [email protected] FUEL/SERVICE STATIONS McCOLLS Oban Email [email protected] Closed Wed and Sun. 9am-10am Orders can be collected from the shop between Kerbside deliveries available and your email will be directed to an appropriate Mon-Sun 7am-8pm NHS Staff Tesco Staff - Tues, Thurs & Sun 9am -10am 9.30am-2pm, Mon-Sat. Tel: 01631 567640 member of staff who will respond to you at the OBAN COMPUTER SERVICES HOME-START LORN BIRCHWOOD GARAGE Petrol Filling Station shop is closed but you will still Delivery can be arranged. CITY ELECTRICAL FACTORS earliest opportunity. DUNOLLIE SHOP Limited service for essential assistance Are you finding it difficult with your children at Mon-Sat 7am-6pm be able to pay at the hatch. OBAN BEER SELLER Closed doors but open Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm ANDERSON BANKS SOLICITORS & ESTATE Tues-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun & Mon 12pm-6pm Tel: 01631 566561 home all day, need some adult conversation – our OBAN FILLING STATION volunteers are here to help LIDL Shop closed but order befor 6pm for next day supply Telephone orders 01631 562362 AGENTS DUNBEG STORES Mon-Sat 7am-6pm, Sun 8am-6pm ONLINE SHOPPING Tel: 07718 768305 Mon-Sun 8am-8pm - email [email protected] for current list Email: [email protected] (OBAN AND BENBECULA) Mon-Sun 8am till 8pm of stock Along with the 5,000 unique lines we stock at the HALFWAY HOUSE HOPE KITCHEN ALDI Due to Government guidelines our offices are CONNEL SHOP 0779 6418973 branch, our customers still have access to over Mon-Sun 7am-7pm OBAN MUSIC SHOP Hope Kitchen is now delivering/providing food Mon-Sat 9am-7pm currently closed to the public but our staff are Mon-Fri 6am-4pm 30,000 product lines from www.cef.co.uk Oban Music is still trading through its web site:- assistance to people who are experiencing financial Sunday 9am-6pm OBAN FOOD HUB working remotely from home to continue to offer West Highland Gas Sat 7.30am-1pm, Sun 7.30am-1pm Delivery or collection www.musicscotland.com difficulty at this time. Please don’t hesitate to get in All day everyday key workers in the Order by midnight Tuesday for pick up Thurs the highest level of service. Delivering to your door In store post office Mon-Sat 9am till 1pm Tel: 01631 566304 touch either via messenger or on 01631 565730 if you NHS, Police and Fire Service will take priority ahead 4pm-6pm at the Rockfield Centre SCREWFIX Contact us on our usual numbers for telephone Gates closed but open Tues-Fri, 8am-4.30pm. THE PINK SHOP, BENDERLOCH ORSAY find yourself short of essentials. of queues into stores upon showing a valid ID. This is ***VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE: COLLECTION @ Essential supplies only appts or Skype/Facetime video calls can be Please call with your order Mon-Sun 9am till 9pm Trading online at www.orsayoban.co.uk. Those who can afford to pay for food but are in addition to early access on a Sunday, where they ROCKFIELD CENTRE** PPE equipment reserved for frontline personnel only arranged. Tel: 01631 564050 BALVICAR STORES self-isolating and unable to get supplies, Argyll can enter stores 30 minutes prior to opening. If you are collecting a veg or fruit box from Go Naked Click and Collect service only Contact us: Mon - Thurs 8.30am - 6.00pm • 4 units on all products Veg tomorrow please bring a bag to take your veg/ Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm Sun www.andersonbanks.co.uk CHEMISTS & HEALTHCARE TRAVEL & LEISURE and Bute Council has a dedicated phone line 01546 Fri 8.30am - 7.00pm • 2 units per customer on nappies and baby products fruit home in. Due to the phenomenal amount of Tel: 03330 112112 Anderson Banks Facebook page. 605524 to help you. - Try to avoid contacting your pharmacy by Sat 9am - 7.00pm ERIC SMITH TRAVEL • 12 units per online order on wines or spirits, 4 orders there are not enough boxes. Check out the www.screwfix.com Oban Office: 01631 563158 Email: info@anderson banks.co.uk telephone, unless it is essential. Sun 9.30am - 2pm We are still open for new and existing bookings Information correct at time of going to press. Check www. units instore. Oban Food Hub Facebook page for strict guidelines HIGHLAND FASTENERS on collection and delivery. Benbecula office: 01870 602061 Email: uist@ Most in town are operating crowd control measures A little light entertainment from Wendy on their although obantimes.co.uk/openforbusiness for updated information. MARKS AND SPENCER Mon-Fri, 8am-12pm TASTE OF ARGYLL KITCHEN Essential supplies only andersonbanks.co.uk to help manage social distancing: Facebook page... agency closed at present. This page will run in the Oban Times every week for as long as Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Our legal services include: Conveyancing, Wills, • Only order medication 1 week in advance of By email [email protected], necessary - printed information will be updated weekly. Sat 8am-7pm From Langoustine Curry to Highland Beefburgers - Tel: 01631 570584 lots in between Trusts & Executries, Power of Attorney, Family law, needing it; PET SUPPLIES [email protected] Sun 9am-6pm HOWDEN’S JOINERY Commercial leases and all aspects of private client • Let your GP Practice know which pharmacy you’d FB message ERIC SMITH TRAVEL Older & Vulnerable Customers Mon & Thurs Friday night deliveries (free to Oban, £3 on outskirts) Essential supplies for the trade, housing associations Tel: 07882226675 work plus estate agency for residential sales and like to collect this from; PETS AT HOME 8am-9am etc. leases. • And please be understanding of small delays at Mon-Sat 9am- 6pm NHS & Emergency services Tues & Fri 8am - 9am FROM CRATE TO GATE (THE OBAN INN) Closed doors but open 9-3 Mon-Fri via telephone/ this time. Sun 10am -5pm FARMFOODS Drinks supplies - for full menu see Oban Inn email. INSURANCE Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Facebook page Tel: 01631 567083 Sat 8am-7pm Home deliveries daily Email: [email protected] JELF CLARKE THOMSON Sun 9am-6pm Open for Business As Usual. TAKE-AWAY FOOD GARAGES Office is currently closed, but Jelf Clark Thomson BOOKERS CASH AND CARRY staff are working from home from 9am-5pm, West Highland Housing Association would Please contact us either by Booker in Oban are still supplying retailers and Featured take-away food businesses are offering RODDY’S GARAGE Mon-Fri. If you email us, we will respond. caterers throughout Oban and Argyll both through collection or delivery. Collections require strict Open but with limited staff. If you call us, the phone will be answered (or the call like to thank all our tenants and residents for phone on our FREE normal collect and existing delivered business. adherence to social distancing regulations with Booking ahead by telephone required. returned if a Open hours as follows: maximum 2 people entering the outlet at any one Tel: 01631 565882 message is left). Whether it’s the renewal of an their understanding during these difficult Mon-Fri 7.30am-3.00pm time: number 0300 3231170 KWIK FIT existing policy, enquiries about new insurance Sat 7.30am-2.00pm NHS 10% discount on tyres, servicing and batteries arrangements, queries on cover or guidance on loss times. Our organisation is following the Sunday Closed GEORGE STREET FISH RESTAURANT AND Click HERE for discount prevention and risk mitigation, we are here to help. Social distancing measures are in place with hand Email us TAKE-AWAY Tel: 01631 566282 Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Government guidelines and the office is sanitiser for customer and colleague use to ensure Open 12pm-8pm daily Office telephone number: 01631 567675 (please note FLIT we remain as safe as possible whilst trading through Tel 01631 566664 calls to this number are being re-routed and thus will [email protected] Essential vehicle hire only for front line staff closed but our staff are taking calls and this situation. Take-away only not always be answered immediately – please DO Visit Flit self drive Facebook page leave a message); or login into your My Home OBAN GRILLHOUSE Email: [email protected] working as much as possible in the circumstances. LOCAL FRESH FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIERS Graeme Bass mobile: 07872 131073 Open 7 days, 5pm-11pm Tel: 07810391753 Argyll has a unique natural larder and a range of Tel: 01631 358246 account online KERRIE’S TYRES passionate artisans and suppliers to choose from. Collection or delivery BANKS We will try and provide as much help and assistance during this We are staying open or available for anyone that With home deliveries too! CORIANDER needs assistance. ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND WEST HIGHLAND HOUSING JACKSON BUTCHERS Fri, Sat, Sun from 5pm Open 9am-1pm contactable by phone thereafter crisis. We can help make claims for universal credit and other Open for essential business: Opening Hours Tel: 01631 570806 Tel: 07876762631 ASSOCIATION SUPPORTING Monday - Closed Collection or delivery Tues, Wed, Thurs benefits and provide a listening ear if you just need to have a chat MCCONECHY’S Tuesday to Friday 9am - 4pm 10am-1pm Open as usual: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm OUR TENANTS AND COMMUNITY. Saturday 9am - 2pm Tel: 0345 724 2424 with someone. The Oban Times 24 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Thursday 30 April 2020

Open for in association with

Oban talks planned for reopening businesses

by Ellis Butcher by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon taking advice from the Scottish [email protected] at the launch of a new 27-page Government and trying our best Scottish Government blueprint to advise and communicate with Talks are to get under way soon called ‘COVID-19 – A Framework local organisations. across the Oban business com- for Decision Making’. ‘Given that many events are munity on a plan for how the It sets out possible changes planned months in advance it is town can bounce back from the Scotland will have to make in necessary to make some difficult coronavirus. order to prevent a deadly second decisions now and we will advise With the pandemic bringing wave as medics work on finding a in due course which events will be much of commerce to a close, the cure. affected.’ focus since the end of March for That paves the way for social ‘On a brighter note it is great to the BID4Oban group has been distancing to become the norm see the resilience of some of the pointing local firms towards and would spell major changes for town’s businesses that are still specialist advice, help and cash businesses to ensure staff and cus- managing to trade in extremely grants. tomers are kept two-metres apart. difficult conditions.’ But as May beckons, the priority Any ongoing social distancing Mr Spence said the coverage in is set to shift in the coming weeks restrictions would also raise The Oban Times had demonstrat- from ‘resilience to recovery,’ Andy Spence, BID4Oban chief executive questions over the viability of ed the lengths some businesses are explained Andy Spence, chief ex- crowd-pulling future public events going to to provide a ‘business as ecutive of the 550-strong business representing tourism, industry, relax restrictions which have kept held across Scotland, including usual’ approach while successfully group. local authorities, Highlands and the doors shut on hundreds of Oban. respecting social distancing rules. He said: ‘It is recognised that as Islands Enterprise and business local businesses at the start of the Mr Spence said: ‘Sadly, many ‘We should also be thankful to time goes on and most businesses improvement districts. traditional tourism season. events have had to be cancelled the staff at the various shops and remain in lockdown that we need ‘To this end, the BID will be However, business leaders are over the period of lockdown and businesses that are going the extra a plan to get business moving once instigating a series of conference under no illusion that restrictions have had an economic impact mile to ensure we can all buy food restrictions start to be relaxed. calls with interested parties over may be in place for some time yet. across the town’s businesses. and obtain services we have been ‘BID4Oban is working with the coming weeks to start to plan That could see a staggered ‘It is likely that more events used to,’ said Mr Spence. a new group called the Argyll for the future.’ approach taking place, meaning may be cancelled as we progress ‘Many businesses are open on- Economic Resilience Forum The aim is to ensure that Oban some businesses would open throughout the year. line and many are providing home which is made up of business is ready to move should the ahead of others. ‘At this stage BID4Oban is liais- deliveries, particularly to the organisations across Argyll Scottish Government decide to That was made clear last week ing with Council, vulnerable in our community. ‘ MSPs clash over speed firms receiving business grants Local politicians have clashed over sarily slow’ for firms to access the the lower grant of £10,000. the lack of parity with England Councillor Aileen Morton, the the speed of grants provided to funds. ‘As such, there are far more small would say if they realised that de- Liberal Democrat leader of the businesses, writes Ellis Butcher In an open letter to MSPs, he businesses getting a £10,000 grant livering parity would require us to authority, said: ‘Getting as much Highlands and Islands wrote: ‘Our businesses cannot in Scotland than they would in strip hundreds of small businesses support to as many local business- MSP Donald Cameron, the afford such unnecessary delays either England or Wales,’ she said. of any grant at all?’ she asked. es as possible has been one of our Conservative shadow finance caused by bureaucracy.’ ‘As eligibility is based on the Argyll and Bute Council con- key priorities over the past few minister, has crossed swords with Mr Cameron commented: ‘This small business bonus scheme, firmed this week that it has award- weeks. finance minister Kate Forbes of the is another hardworking business which is the most generous in the ed £17.4 million in business grants. ‘Credit due to all of the staff who ruling SNP, who represents Skye, owner whose properties would UK, the cut-off for receiving a By the end of April 26, it said have been working incredibly and Badenoch. fare far better if they were based £10,000 grant is also higher mean- 1,405 applications had been hard on this, including those It follows claims by a major south of the border. That’s not ing more are eligible.’ approved for the £10,000 grants who transferred over from their business owner in Scotland that an acceptable situation for the Help to larger businesses, such and 134 applications approved for normal work to help process grant government grants of £25,000 Scottish Government to create as Pure Spa and Beauty, involved the £25,000 grant. A total of 2,202 applications.’ are getting to businesses faster in and is affecting firms here in the rates bills being reduced to zero, a applications have been received by Businesses affected by England. Highlands and Islands where we £25,000 grant plus an additional the council. COVID-19 can apply to the Michael Lumsden, who runs have many more small and medi- grant for each of their properties The council said staff had ‘re- council for funding support until the Pure Spa and Beauty chain, um sized businesses.’ and 80 per cent of wages paid, she focused’ their work, or left their March 31 next year. claimed that the decision in Yet Ms Forbes pointed out added. usual roles temporarily, to help They should visit https://www. Scotland to put councils in charge Scotland was home to far more ‘I wonder what the small group speed up delivery of the govern- argyll-bute.gov.uk/coronavi- of the grants had made it ‘unneces- smaller businesses eligible for of businesses complaining about ment grants. rus-information-businesses