Enterprising Portmahomack teenager launches after-school service to help elderly in the village with shopping and food deliveries
An enterprising teenager from Portmahomack hopes his new after-school delivery service can help those who “find it hard to get out the house”.
14-year-old Shane Taylor plans to hit the road every Friday afternoon with the launch of his new local delivery service in the Easter Ross village – for the small charge of just £2 per delivery.
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Offering to drop off shopping and food to addresses within Portmahomack 20mph zones, the young entrepreneur has already had business cards printed outlining his hours of operation and has advertised the phone number customers can contact him on using Whatsapp or text messaging.
Operating from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, “Shane’s Deliveries” will be taking orders for shopping items from Portmahomack Post Office and Stores, as well as orders for takeaway food from the café at Portmahomack Golf Club.
Prepared for commerce in the today’s “cashless” society, Shane, who is an S3 pupil at Tain Royal Academy, has even set himself up with a way to accept card payments via his mobile phone.
Shane’s mum Vicky Taylor, who owns and operates the village post office and stores, said: “We have a small bike trailer that was supposed to be used for the dog, but the dog never went near it, so he will be using the bike with a trailer and an insulated food bag.
“He has some business cards ordered also. I think he has put about £45 into it all so far.
“I’m sure there’s loads of people in the village that would love to support the local businesses but aren’t that mobile.
“Colin and I are both proud of Shane coming up with this great idea to help people. He’s a thoughtful lad for his age and is always thinking of others.
“It should be a win win for everyone!”
Shane says his motivation for making a success of the venture has been spurred on by his desire to buy his own dirt bike when he turns 16.
“It started off as thinking of ways to make some extra pocket money,” he explains. “But it’s also a way I can hopefully save up to buy a dirt bike when I turn 16.
“I thought this service would be a good way to help people out, especially elderly people who might find it hard to get out of their house to do their shopping.”
Setting out his guidelines, Shane’s only rule is that he cannot deliver age-restricted products, but his hassle-free process for shop deliveries is simple – “Message me with your list and I will deliver ASAP. Pay by cash or card at your door.”
For those fancying a night in with a takeaway, Shane is also welcoming orders from Portmahomack Golf Club’s café, accepting messages with pick-up times to delivery meals directly.
For more information on Shane’s Deliveries visit the Portmahomack Post Office & Stores page on Facebook.
