From hospital theatres to sweet shops, we meet the

Swans’s Sweet Shop in Renton, Dunbartonshire, is known all over the world. Ex pats on a visit home from America, Canada, New Zealand and other far flung places make a beeline for the olde worlde candy emporium to stock up on their sugary favourites – and enjoy a catch up chat with owner Tom Swan.

After more than 60 years at the helm, Tom, 81, has seen generations come and go and Tom’s popularity has never waned. He even has his own Tom Swan Appreciation Society online.

He said: “The appreciation society is nothing to do with me but I do know everyone that comes in the shop and they know me.

“I’ve seen changes come and go, but everyone loves the old traditional sweets in big glass jars. The most popular are cinnamon balls and wine gums, but I love chocolate gingers.

“I come to work at 11am and shut up shop at 8pm, with an hour for lunch. And I love it. The kids come in on their way home from school and I remember their mums and dads did the same when they were wee.”

Tom’s other passions include gardening and musicals.

He said: “My wife Mary and I often travel to London to see a show. But the shop takes up most of my time. I’ll keep on going for as long as I can. I’m not interested in retiring.”

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The kids come in on their way home. I remember when their mums and dads did the same