Old Post Office changes its colours to become chic boutique
Arran’s newest shop has opened its doors in what used to be the Post Office in Lamlash. Chameleon, a ladies’ boutique run by Lynn Walker, will be open five days a week throughout the year offering contemporary fashion and accessories to the island’s residents and visitors alike.
When the Post Office closed its doors and relocated to the Co-op, Lynn saw an opportunity to breathe new life in to the building and realise her long held ambition to open a boutique. She and her partner Richard Fletcher spent several months restoring the ‘A’ listed building with the permission of Historic Environment Scotland. Where possible original features such as the post office counter and the sorting pigeon holes have been retained. Modern fixtures and fittings have been added to create an inviting retail space.
Lynn said, ‘I want personal service to be at core of what Chameleon is all about. I’ll be stocking a selection of well-known brands such as Joe Browns, Capri, The Masai Clothing Company, Emreco and Sloggi, plus new and lesser known ranges. I hope to complement the existing retail businesses on the Island, filling a gap for ladies wear that provides, both on trend and classic clothing.
‘I am not aiming at a particular age, but more of a style. Comfortable layering, everyday wear and things that ladies like to wear when they are not in a sweatshirt and jeans. Aside from the basics, I’ll be stocking at most a few of each item, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. My sizing will cover a wide range, with many items in ‘free size’ to fit all. New items will be arriving constantly throughout the year, so pop in and visit often.’
Lynn was brought up on Arran but spent much of her career in London in the professional services sec- tor before returning nearly 10 years ago to establish ‘Arran Tip to Toe’, a manicure and pedicure business based at the Old Haybarn, Lamlash. That business is now in the hands of Emma McNeil as Lynn embarks on her adventure with Chameleon.
Really busy
The new shop has already attracted a lot of interest. Lynn said: ‘We’ve been really busy since opening earlier in the month and it’s lovely to have had so many positive comments on the shop and on my opening range of clothing and accessories. The most common questions we have had is if the post box outside is staying and why did you choose the name Chameleon?’
Lynn commented: ‘Of course, the post box is staying. It’s part of the history and fabric of the building and of the village and I would never dream of removing it. Why Chameleon? It’s simply that chameleons change colour. They often merge into the background but Chameleon is all about daring to stand out, changing colours and styles as the seasons progress. It was ideal too for a building that is nearly 125 years old has gone through many changes itself over the years.’
Chameleon is located at Hamilton Terrace and is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5pm and from noon until 4pm on Sundays.