14/12/2025
From the Board of Directors, Jura Stores Community Interest Company
Dear Jura Community,
Thank you for your feedback regarding the shop's early closure on Tuesday 9 December 2025 during Storm Bram.
As directors of the Community Interest Company that runs the shop, we have clear legal duties under Scottish law that guided our decision:•
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, we must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of our staff. This includes protecting them from risks associated with travel home in severe weather conditions, such as high winds and deteriorating road conditions on the island.•
Under the Occupiers’ Liability (Scotland) Act 1960, we owe a duty to take reasonable care that visitors (our customers) do not suffer injury or damage due to dangers on the premises or arising from weather-related hazards while the shop is open.
We do not take the decision to close early lightly – we fully understand how important the shop is as the island's only general store and lifeline for essentials.
With Met Office amber warnings in force and winds already gusting strongly by midday, however, remaining open until 5 pm would have increased risks for both staff travelling home in the dark and customers visiting during worsening conditions.
The manager's announcement on this group gave as much notice as possible, allowing time for essential purchases while prioritising safety.
We kept the shop open through the morning and early afternoon to serve the community as long as it was safe to do so.
We're sorry if the early closure inconvenienced anyone.
As a CIC run for community benefit, safety will always come first, but we value your views and will review our severe weather communication and procedures to improve for the future.
If anyone has further concerns or suggestions, please get in touch directly.
Best wishes,
The Board of Directors
Jura Stores Community Interest Company
