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Draft storyAt the island shop

Winter morning summer queue

More summer visitors means more work on the island.

A draft: the words and pictures are waiting for an educator’s review.

Who’s in it

Meet everyone in Gullbrae

The story

On a quiet winter morning, Ailsa opens the shop door onto an empty path.

On a winter morning, the island shop was quiet. Ailsa opened the door, and nobody was waiting.

In summer sunshine, Ailsa welcomes Rowan, Zara, Morag and Buddy outside the shop.

In summer, it was a different story. Morag brought visitors across, and Ailsa welcomed Rowan, Zara and Buddy.

Iain and Ailsa walk along the visitor path outside the storage yard, Iain pointing to the closed bays.

Before the busy season, Iain walked Ailsa past the storage yard and showed her it was ready.

Morag and Ailsa walk along the landing, Morag pointing to the moored ferry.

Morag showed Ailsa the ferry that would bring the summer visitors across.

Rowan helps Ailsa and Morag fold cloth shopping bags into a basket outside the shop.

On a busy morning, Rowan helped Ailsa and Morag fold cloth bags, ready for the visitors.

Ailsa hands Rowan a reusable bottle outside the shop while Morag smiles beside them.

Ailsa handed Rowan his bottle, ready for a busy summer day.

Ailsa: “Bottle ready? There’s drinking water to refill before you head off.”

Draft, 19 October 2026. The words and pictures are not yet reviewed by an educator. The story follows the outline in our story guide.

The real-life bit

Busy seasons bring more rubbish to plan for. When you visit somewhere, use the bins and refill points it provides, follow the local signs, and take your things home if you need to. Gullbrae is made up. Your council’s own rules are the ones to follow.

AilsaMeet Ailsa: the island shopkeeper Check your own bin dayEnter your postcode All 81 storiesThe full story guide