UK-based co-operative group Co-op has reopened its store in Stornoway’s MacAulay Road after a multi-million-pound upgrade.

Works on the project started in August 2023 and include a new look for the chilled produce, fruit, vegetables and dairy sections.

The retailer also modernised the store’s café and installed two Costa coffee dispensers and a fresh orange juice machine.

The store spans nearly 22,000ft² and stocks an enhanced assortment of everyday essentials, fresh and healthy products, food-to-go and fairtrade products, as well as plant-based products.

Stornoway-based baker Stag bakeries also opened an over-counter catering range of hot food, pies and pastries.

The upgraded store houses a branch of the travel exchange bureau Hebrides Travel and discount store chain The Original Factory Shop (TOFS).

Co-op also added a larger and more efficient cold room and storage facility to increase capacity and availability, especially during the winter season. It has also added new refrigeration throughout the store, featuring a heat recovery system.

Stornoway Co-op offers online home delivery of groceries through shop.Coop.co.uk.

The transformed store generates more than 100 jobs for local communities.

Co-op Stornoway store manager Steven Cooper said: “We have had a great response and are delighted to have had the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment to transform the store.

“Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life – and we are very proud to serve and support the Island community. We have worked to create the range, choice and added services to deliver a really compelling offer for customers, with a focus on delivering member value so that the people who own our business, our members, benefit every time they shop.”

Last month, Co-op reopened its store on Charminster Road, Bournemouth, UK, following a six-week refurbishment programme.