Normally on Monday’s I like to share what groceries we’ve purchased and the meals we ate the previous week {I’ll do that tomorrow}. But I thought you might be interested in seeing what grocery shopping is like at Stackhoull Stores Fair Isle first.
Stackhoull Stores {the only shop on the island} is open M/W/F/Sat from 9:30 – 12:30 this time of year and so far I’ve gone every day it’s been open. I just can’t get enough of the place. 😉
This time of year the store gets new deliveries {via the mail boat, sometimes by plane} once a week. In the summer months {tourist season} the mail boat runs 3 times a week and so there are more deliveries.
Needless to say, the day after the store gets restocked… the shop is pretty busy with everyone shopping for fresh produce.
Sometimes in the winter though, there is so much wind that the boat/planes don’t aren’t able to get to the island for weeks at a time. Which of course makes things a little more exciting.
This is John, the oldest person living on Fair Isle. John is 87 and my neighbor for the next few weeks.
He told me to take a picture of the newspaper because Fair Isle is getting a new ferry {the current ferry is 37 years old!}. This is BIG NEWS here on Fair Isle. You can read about the new ferry HERE.
Let’s go for a walk down the grocery aisles!
The produce section at Stackhoull Stores on Fair Isle.
The dairy section. {I forgot to get a picture of the eggs, but those are to the left of the produce and bread.}
The ice cream/sweets freezer.
While there is extra milk available for anyone to purchase, most islanders have a standing pre-order for their milk {and in some cases, other things}. When all the extra milk is sold, there is a freezer in the back storeroom that has plenty of frozen milk anyone can buy.
This is especially handy when a boat or a plane can’t make it in for deliveries due to wind.
More freezers on the left and the pasta/rice/noodle/cereal section on the right.
Stackhoull Stores has pretty much everything you would find at a regular grocery store, just on a smaller scale.
The meat section. I bought a whole chicken so I could make a proper roast chicken dinner.
But wait… There’s more!
The pasta/rice/noodle/cereal section.
Canned {tinned} goods section. 🙂
Housewares, cat food and supplies.
All the toiletries and cleaning supplies you could possibly need.
The shop doubles as a post office as well so it really is one stop shopping here on Fair Isle. Did I mention I love it here? 🙂
So if you’re headed to Fair Isle anytime soon, toss a few granola bars in your luggage just in case you get stuck somewhere along the way. But seriously, keep from bringing much else in the way of groceries because Stackhoull Stores has everything you’ll need!
I hope you enjoyed the tour. 🙂
~Mavis
Tracey says
Saved from scurvy! btw: how are the prices? Eggs here went to $12 for 1.5 dozen last week.
Jennifer says
I was in WM north of Charlotte, NC yesterday and an 18 CT pkg was $7.36. The Eggland’s Best 18 CT pkg was $7.17. Didn’t the Eggland’s people have to throw away a generation of product or did they avoid the avian flu and Stores are just raising prices because they can? 2 years ago, I was paying less than $2 for these – dh and his healthy, but now extravagantly costing, daily 3 egg white omelet!! 🙂
Erin says
They have what they have & people don’t have to get bogged down with decision-making. Such a dream!!
Wendy C says
This looks so dreamy!
Brianna says
I love it when a store has limited selection and is not overwhelming. I find it easier to just get in and get out and get on with my day. I waste a lot of time in the grocery store trying to find stuff (because they moved it or it is not where I think it should be) and making proper decisions (which flavor, which nutrition, etc). I often buy the “wrong” ketchup or something else and my family lets me know it as they gripe every time they use it and it just does not taste like the usual one. I would be so happy with that tiny store of basic provisions and limited selection.
Mavis Butterfield says
I don’t need to see 5 rows of the same box of Ritz Crackers either. I’d much rather shop at a smaller shop.
Kath says
I love it!
Kathy Wolfe says
Love it!
Jennifer says
I’m about yall, but seeing the pineapple and ginger root were a bit of a surprise for me.
Christina says
I was impressed by the selection too!
Jamie says
What is there for doctors or if you have a medical emergency on the island?
Mavis Butterfield says
There is a nurse on the island. 🙂 If it’s a true medical emergency I suppose they call the Coastguard and fly you out on a chopper.
Holley says
So interesting! I love that you were able to show us the WHOLE store!!! But Mavis, I didn’t see any pie! How will you survive? Enjoy!
Julie says
I am curious, I know where my dad used to live in Alaska, most people would order groceries from Juneau and have them flown in or sent by boat. Do the majority of people do that and use the store for incidentals or do they really shop at the store? The variety seems to say they really shop at the store. I’m enjoying your vacation.
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, the store is a vital part of the community and everyone shops there. I think it’s fantastic.
SC says
Your adventure is fascinating! Thank you for sharing.
Marie says
Super jealous of your adventure! Such a beautiful and inspiring place to visit. I’d love to go and see the Jamieson and Smith yarn shop there. I think its Jamieson and Smith Shetland Wool Brokers. Amazing history and wool like no other!
Enjoy and thank you for letting us go along vicariously
Annette says
It’s cool that you already know your neighbor. He looks like a nice guy.
Janice says
I was thinking this as well and have commented in the past that every time Mavis moves to a new neighborhood she immediately connects with people around her and makes friends so quickly. Not just a friendly neighbor but people she actually connects and does things with. Love it!
Christina says
Yes, and John looks amazing for 87! I think he’s proof that living there is good medicine. 🙂
Kathy Brown says
Living the dream Mavis!!!!
Jim D says
This trip is nothing short of AWESOME :)! We hope that you’re having an incredible time! Send more scenery pics!
Ramona says
I didn’t see any prices. Since the island is off the beaten path are things expensive? How are prices compared to groceries in U.S.
Laura says
That’s exactly what I was wondering. This is all so interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Em says
Mavis, thanks for the post! Do you know what the island electricity source is? Just curious.
Mavis Butterfield says
Here is a link to read: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-45812273
Em says
Thank you!!! 🙂
Janice says
Your neighbor John is featured in the article!
Yvonne says
I see lots of British goodies on the shelves. We just had some salad cream tonight with more stocked in the pantry. If you find any Branston original pickle and haven’t tried it before, it’s wonderful with cheese and crackers…
Did your preshipped supplies finally arrive?
Cindy says
Thank you for sharing pics and stories of this sweet store. The produce section seems small for a week’s supply. Do you see residents growing their own produce, raising chickens for eggs?
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, there are a lot of gardens here. 🙂
Lindsey says
More sheep pictures, please.
Bec says
This seems like a very dreamy and relaxing place!
Trace says
Enjoying every bit you share. Love your blog.
Woolie Blessings
Nancy says
Love it! This is such a fascinating trip! It is so fun and interesting to tag along vicariously! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to check your blog every day! Enjoy!!
Lisa says
Definitely can relate to the food boat. I live on an island in Caribbean half year. The biggest news on wed is what time the mailboat/ food boat comes in. In Dec 3 pak romaine lettuce $16
Cheapest of Dozen eggs $9.99 . Always wanted to visit Faire Isle. Love reading your adventure
Joanna says
Thank so much for the tour really enjoyed !! They have everything you need! Yikes I even saw haggis skins!! Had to look that up! Love learning.
Michelle S. says
It took me forever to get through your post because l was blowing up every picture to look at all the available products. I LOVE that you took pictures of it all. Thanks, Mavis!
Lissa says
Does the HH know you’re plotting your island move? :). How many weeks will you be enjoying this trip?
Eyda says
I’ve always been curious about this island and how it operates. Thank you so much for the insights! I hope one day to visit this lovely place.