Local producers in Lochaber have been given a greater opportunity to showcase their goods at a one-stop store.

Lochaber Farm Shop brings the best of local produce together under one roof, offering unbeatable freshness and a chance to help the local farming community.

Farmer Alison MacIntosh had been struggling through a few hard seasons when she came up with the idea of a local outlet.

She explained: "Farming just wasn't going very well and this was a way of diversifying."

Lochaber has a wealth of produce - from free-range eggs to beef and venison - and Alison decided it was about time local shoppers were able to enjoy the full range.

The Farm Shop has made local beef, pork, lamb and venison its trademarks - but everything from home baking to organic goods to fruit and vegetables will be available, according to the seasons.

The shop has been up and running for 10 weeks, and things are looking very encouraging.

Alison added: "It's something that was needed in the area, and it's going very well. It's mostly locals that are coming in, and we seem to be getting a few more shoppers each week. Word of mouth advertising is very important."

After Alison sowed the seeds for her new idea, Lochaber Enterprise (LE) beefed up the project with funding of £4,500, to help with the start up costs of the project which fully supports the local food initiative Lochaber Larder.

Alison admitted: "The money has been very useful - it's covering many of my overheads for the first six months.

"The advice they have given has been just as important. I'm just a mum, not a businesswoman, and they really helped me - and still are."

If things continue as they are, Alison hopes she will be able to take somebody else on and get the shop open more hours a week. At the moment, the shop is open from Wednesday to Saturday.

Elaine Jones Development Manager with Lochaber Enterprise said "The availability of the farm shop provides a good outlet for local produce, the quality of which is excellent.  The Lochaber Larder project is trying to develop the production and sale of local produce and producers with surplus product have a ready outlet in Alison's farm shop."

For more information on the Farm Shop, call Alison on 01397 708686.