Destination & Leisure
Situated on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles, Uig Community Shop is much more than a convenience store. Run by Uig Community Cooperative, the shop provides essential services to residents and visitors, including groceries, road fuel, local crafts, a laundrette and Post Office facilities.
Managed by a voluntary committee of local residents, with a dedicated team of eight staff and supporting volunteers, the shop also provides valuable year-round employment, helping sustain the local community.
As electric vehicle ownership continues to grow, the cooperative recognised an opportunity to expand its services by introducing rapid EV charging, making it easier for residents and visitors to travel through this remote part of Scotland.
To bring the project to life, Uig Community Shop partnered with Connekt EV Charging.
For rural and island communities, access to reliable EV charging infrastructure is particularly important. With longer distances between charging locations, drivers need confidence that they can recharge conveniently while travelling.
Recognising the increasing number of residents and tourists switching to electric vehicles, Uig Community Cooperative identified a need for rapid charging facilities in the area.
However, introducing EV charging was new territory for the team. While they had identified a suitable charging solution, they needed guidance on securing funding, managing installation, setting up the chargers and understanding how the commercial arrangements would work.
The cooperative wanted a trusted partner who could simplify the process and help them introduce this valuable new service with confidence.
"After doing some research, we gave Connekt a phone call, which basically was the best thing we could have done. The relationship with Connekt from start to finish has been great. The team have been friendly, courteous and knowledgeable, and are always at the end of an email or phone call when we have questions. From the initial advice and grant support through to installation and ongoing help, it's been a brilliant experience."
Following initial discussions, Connekt worked closely with Uig Community Cooperative to guide the team through the process of introducing EV charging.
The chosen solution was:
1 × dual connector 40kW DC rapid charger, providing two charging connections for electric vehicles.
Connekt supported the cooperative from the outset, answering questions about installation, operation and remuneration, while also securing grant funding to help make the project financially viable.
Working alongside a local electrical contractor, the installation was completed despite challenging island weather conditions, including a week of heavy rain and strong winds.
Throughout the project, Connekt remained on hand to provide guidance and reassurance, ensuring the cooperative felt supported from the initial enquiry through to the charger going live.
The result was a straightforward introduction to EV charging, with a solution designed to meet the needs of the local community and passing motorists.
The introduction of rapid EV charging has been exceptionally well received, adding another valuable service to Uig Community Shop and strengthening its role as a vital community hub.
For residents, the charger provides convenient access to rapid charging closer to home. For visitors exploring the Isle of Lewis, it offers a practical opportunity to recharge while making use of the shop's existing facilities.
Drivers can now plug in while picking up groceries, browsing local crafts, visiting the Post Office or taking a break before continuing their journey.
The installation has helped Uig Community Shop:
Most importantly, the project demonstrates how EV charging can deliver benefits beyond the driver, supporting local businesses and strengthening essential community infrastructure.
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For Uig Community Shop, introducing rapid EV charging represents an important step towards supporting the transition to electric vehicles in the Western Isles.
By combining practical project guidance, funding support and a carefully selected charging solution, Connekt helped the cooperative introduce a new service that benefits both local residents and visitors.
The project highlights the important role community businesses can play in expanding Scotland's rural EV charging network, ensuring that even remote destinations can benefit from the transition to electric transport.
At Uig Community Shop, EV charging is about more than powering vehicles. It's about supporting communities, encouraging local spending and keeping rural Scotland connected.
