One of the best known shops in Uist is to close for good in two weeks.
Clachan Stores in North Uist community has announced it will serve its final customer on 17 September.
A shop has stood on the same site at the Clachan junction for the best part of the last 140 years.
The post office part of the business -
Despite its prime spot on the main route through the Uists, Clachan Stores has suffered from a fall in trade in recent years.
Well known Uist shop to close down
2 September 2015
Islanders buying in boxes of shopping from Asda and Tesco which are delivered by a mainland firm is one factor behind the decline.
Campervans stocking up on essential supplies before arriving on the island is another reason.
In the distant past, the holiday period would usually inject a vital boost for small rural shops, helping to survive the lean period between autumn and spring.
But there has been "no difference between summer and winter trade for the past four
years," says co-
The impact of the wet weather on tourism this season didn't help, she added while the rise in online shopping plus the general economic situation has also taken its toll.
Adele Coleman who runs the premises with her husband, Lee, said: "This has been a stressful time.
"We are devastated we have to close.
"We are particularly sad for our customers we have seen every day for the last 12 years."
For some months, the community was aware the shop faced closure but the family is disappointed by the "deafening silence" from local councillors, said Lee Coleman.
The Colemans, who live above the shop, do not intend selling the building.
However, the store premises would be available to rent out as a shop or other commercial use.
A shop has been present on the same site for some 140 years, said Mrs Coleman.
They bought it in 2003 from previous owner, James Matheson, who had expanded the property during his 25 years behind the counter.