How the Yes Forward Shop in Dunoon survived the long Covid lockdown

Here’s the tale of one terrific grassroots initiative that is getting going again having had to change its modus operandi during lockdown. David McEwan Hill wrote to tell us about the Forward Shop in Dunoon which is the headquarters of Yes Cowal, one of the movement’s most active groups.

He explained that the Forward Shop is probably a unique little enterprise which started out as a result of the political activity in Cowal after the 2014 independence referendum and then became something much more.

Let him take up the story: “The Cowal ‘nats’ like the ‘nats’ across the Scotland may have had to face a narrow and very painful reverse in 2014 but it had the unexpected effect – to the Unionist establishment that is – of strengthening the indy movement. So a permanent presence in Dunoon was mooted.

“Finance for that was thought to be a possible impediment. A week after the referendum a huge crowded meeting in the Dunoon Burgh Hall made it clear that was not the barrier it might have been. Enough continuous funding was committed and guaranteed on that evening to allow a check for a decent and main street site. And such was secured.

“A bit naive. Grand place to have meetings a couple of times a month, but...

“We still had some funds which allowed us to move, but. What about insurance, electricity bills, water rates, maintenance, furniture, staffing, etc, etc. Fortunately the previous Yes campaign had left some funds available to get us going initially.”

A certain celebrity from across the water in Greenock came to perform the honours at the opening – Line of Duty star and strong independence supporter Martin Compston.

Dave McEwan Hill said: “Martin came along to open it for us. It was a completely empty shop but mobbed on the night.”

Then the Forward Shop got a break with some chairs and furnishings that were being abandoned by the renewing of Dunoon Burgh Hall and which would have otherwise gone in a skip.

Yes Cowal had a meeting and realised they had to have something a lot more than an intermittent meeting point.

Hill explained: “And so we had to become commercial: Yes – The Forward Shop. Still, doesn’t seem like seven years ago. We became a limited retailing company. And that’s why we are still on the road.

“Now it has to be said that we have a benefit over other retailers. That was and is the generosity of so much of our support. Kept us going initially and helped hugely to keep us afloat, so thank you everybody.

“And perhaps the Forward Shop repaid some of that by its very generous contribution to the magnificent Dunoon Burgh Hall Community Kitchen effort during lockdown.

“We also made the premises available for a small rental when practical for community group meetings on evenings and we have a wee radio station down the back called Argyll Independent Radio.

“We have to acknowledge that because retailing became our main source of income and support we have been able to access support from funding made available by the Government and distributed by our council. But we have to get going again – like most businesses – though many generous supporters still contribute to our political activities.

“And of course we know Dunoon and one of its major activities is entertaining visitors – from all around the world. So what better kind of shop than one that caters largely for that and provides them of memories of their days among us?

“But it has been a difficult year. And we sympathise indeed with what all the other businesses have been going through.”

So here we are. With a shop full of stock of all sorts but particularly of Scottish theme – anybody want big Saltire flags at a very good price for instance – awaiting the word to get going again.

“Any exciting indication in the offing , Nicola?”

The First Minister has made it clear that she will deal with the coronavirus pandemic first and then tackle the issue of the second independence referendum, but at least the Forward Shop and other Yes hubs are ready to go.