Letters: Store's demise is a sad loss

Published on Monday 12 April 2010 00:43

It's sad, but not surprising to learn of the pending demise of Scotmid's flagship store in Duke Street, Leith, (Business, 9 April).

The co-operative which started life as the Port of Leith Provident Society before evolving into Leith Co-operative Society in 1878 has served the port for well over 100years. Then in order to survive in an ever-increasing competitive market, it amalgamated with other co-ops, such as St Cuthbert's.

Yesteryear, it was the wee local convenience store that succumbed to the power of the multinational supermarkets, leaving Scotmid to fight on alone. But they were on a bruising to nothing and unable to compete, not having the enormous financial purchasing clout of their bigger adversaries.

FRANK FERRI

Newhaven Main Street

Edinburgh