Community of Raasay Retail Association
GOVERNANCE
CORRA operates under a formally approved constitution that outlines our purpose, governance, and responsibilities to the community. It ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical management of community assets.
AT A GLANCE
The Community of Raasay Retail Association (CORRA) exists to run a community business that benefits the people who live within the Raasay postcode area. Its purpose is to trade for the good of the community—not for private profit. The Association can buy, sell, create, or provide any goods or services needed to support the island. Any money made is kept within the organisation to maintain services, support community needs, and help the shop and related activities thrive.
The Association is run by its Members, a Board of Directors, and a Secretary. Members are the community owners of the Society and elect representatives to the Management Board. The Board manages the day-to-day and strategic decisions of the Society and is responsible for everything done in its name. They may delegate tasks, appoint staff or volunteers, and oversee operations. The Society’s Rules explain how everyone works together and how decisions are made.
Anyone aged 16 or over who supports the Society’s purpose can apply to become a Member by completing a form. Members can be people living locally (Community Members) or supporters living elsewhere. Local Members must always make up the majority. Members have the right to attend meetings, vote, propose ideas, and stand for the Board. Membership can end if a person resigns, dies, is expelled, or loses contact.
The Board makes decisions on behalf of the Society and ensures it operates legally and responsibly. It must manage finances, plan for the future, uphold the Society’s purpose, and ensure the shop and other activities run smoothly. Board members are elected for three-year terms, sign a code of conduct, must declare conflicts of interest, and cannot be paid (except for reasonable expenses). They appoint officers, including the Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.
The Society holds an Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) in September every year to present accounts, reports, membership updates, and elect Directors. Other meetings, called Special Members’ Meetings, can be called by the Committee or by a member’s request. Members must receive at least 14 days’ notice before a meeting. Decisions are normally made by a simple majority, with each Member having one vote (in person or by proxy). A minimum number of Members (a quorum) must be present for decisions to be valid.
A Proxy Voting Form is available here: Proxy Voting Form
The Management Committee must keep proper financial records and prepare annual accounts that show the Society’s income, spending, and financial position. These accounts must be presented to Members each year and submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority as part of an annual return. All financial activity must support the Society’s purpose and meet legal requirements. Profits cannot be shared with Members. Past accounts are available here: FCA Mutuals Regster
Any change to the Society’s Rules must be approved by at least two-thirds of Members voting at a Special Members’ Meeting and must then be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. If the Society ever closes, it must pay its debts and return any share capital, then any remaining assets must be transferred to another community-benefit organisation—not to individual Members—ensuring the value stays within the community. All assets are permanently locked for community benefit.
Board of Directors
MEET THE TEAM WORKING ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY
Our board is made up of elected members who volunteer their time and skills to oversee the strategic direction and financial sustainability of the Raasay Community Shop. They ensure that the shop continues to serve residents, support local suppliers, and promote island resilience.
Jo Mahler
CHAIR
Kate Smith
VICE CHAIR
Jo Mahler
TREASURER
Jane Crosby
SECRETARY
Eilidh Byars
HR
David Carslaw
SHOP MANAGER
Contact
WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
For questions about membership, volunteering, the shop project, or Association governance, get in touch:
Email: chair.corra@gmail.com
Visit: Raasay Community Stores during opening hours
Write: Community of Raasay Retail Association, Isle of Raasay, IV40 8NS
Facebook: @RaasayCommunityStores
GET INVOLVED
HOW YOU CAN HELP
HOW TO JOIN THE BOARD
Your opportunity to contribute directly
We encourage anyone passionate about the future of the island to consider putting their name forward for the board. Elections take place at the AMM, and vacancies may also be filled during the year.
Eligibility:
- Must be a CORRA member
- Must support the objectives of the Association
- Should be able to attend meetings and take part in decision-making
Application Process:
- Submit an expression of interest (email)
- Attend or send a nomination for AMM voting.
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
WE ARE CURRENTLY ONLY ACCEPTING RAASAY RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS AT THIS TIME
Anyone aged 16 or over who supports the Society’s purpose can apply to become a Member by completing a form.
Members can be people living locally (Community Members) or supporters living elsewhere. Local Members must always make up the majority.
Members have the right to attend meetings, vote, propose ideas, and stand for the Board.
Membership can end if a person resigns, dies, is expelled, or loses contact.
Please complete the membership application form below and then email it to secretary.corra@gmail.com or post it to Community of Raasay Retail Association, Isle of Raasay, IV40 8NS
MEETINGS, NEWSLETTERS & DOCUMENTS
TRANSPARENCY IS AT THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE
Here you’ll find minutes from CORRA meetings, including the Annual Members Meeting and regular board meetings. We publish these documents to ensure our work remains open, transparent, and accessible to the community.
As a member, if you have provided us with an email address, you will be sent a copy of the minutes as they are approved. If you are not receiving the emails from us, please let us know by emailing secretary.corra@gmail.com
Minutes are also available in a folder by the Post Office in the shop.
2026
Newsletters
The New Shop at the Church
A NEW CHAPTER FOR COMMUNITY RETAIL ON RAASAY
One of the Association’s major projects is the development of the new community shop at the former Raasay Church site. This exciting community-driven initiative marks a significant step in ensuring long-term, sustainable retail services for the island
Background: Leading up to the final purchase of the Free Presbyterian Church, various surveys were carried out in order to inform us of what to expect and the usual suspects were identified i.e. new roof, new services, new insulation & heating, asbestos removal (thankfully not the ‘worst’ kind but needs to be removed), new septictank, ground levelling and landscaping, new windows, basically new everything!
Challenges: Why do we need a new shop? Two major considerations are accessibility and space which the current shop definitely does not have. The New Shop has both. In addition, CORRA would like to provide a welcoming space whereby customers may not only shop but also stop for a cuppa, maybe cake, and a chat. The Post Office is also a must. CORRA wish to provide a staff area including an office and staff room and dedicated storage space. Toilets for both customers and staff should also be provided. The challenge is in the design and subsequent cost thereof – circa £1.5m…. Add to the mix sustainability and future proofing for generations to come and you can maybe get an idea of the ‘challenge’ we have.
Raasay.com is managed by Raasay Development Trust (RDT) on behalf of the Raasay community.
Photos credits: Calum Gillies :: David Carslaw :: Hannah Moore :: Copywriting: Linsay MacLean