Terrys Chocolate Orange

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Jaffa Cakes V Terrys Chocolate Orange

Sirs,

I note our MP Mr Angus Macneil and his comments about Co-op price on the Isles.

Indeed, it’s a real issue especially in the recent couple of years as their prices are out of hand of late.

Now, in Barra, Jaffa Cakes are an issue. And here in South Uist, Terry’s chocolate orange ball is at the sky high price of around £3.30!

Incidentally, three days ago I bought the same exact product on the mainland for £1:49 (not in a Co-op store I may add). So, how can a small product like that have such a vast price difference?

A lot of their other products are also out of hand with high prices. I heard a person from Skye complaining that between the small store and the bigger Co-op in Portree, he paid up to six pence difference on same item.

Here is something to consider; in a place where all locals are largely at the mercy of the local Co-op store, why should there be two aisles of booze and one of chocolates when we cant get a tin of paint or a few nails anywhere.

To sum it up, I heard a good quote many years ago when an quick witted gentleman said: “Och well, I cant get any hen feed, but i can get plenty of condoms and booze” which reflects the society in which we live in these days.

As far as I am concerned, far too many of our secular leaders, and maybe even clergy, have stuck their heads in the sand when they should be fighting for the communities that are to some spiritual degree falling apart.

Food is essential but the way the Co-op are dealing with us I would say that we would do well to think about a new community store that would provide what the community needs; not what the Co-op needs, plenty profits and that alone at the expense of vulnerable communities.

I also know that there are representatives in our area who are supposed to fight for us but are only what are called 'yes men' and gladly take their dividends and remunerations and keep on say yes to the Co-op masters instead of fighting for our local stores. At least to have them rebranded as grocery stores rather than high price convenience stores would be a good start.

So wake up guys and fight for what you’re being paid for and don’t be silent yes men and crawlers. Have a spine in other words.

Aonghas Caimbeul

Gearraidh na Monaidh

Uibhist a Deas