A look back at High Street’s changing style
As Ayr High Street faces up to an uncertain future, it’s worth looking back on an earlier break with the past.
Back in 1980, the Auld Toun was saying farewell to J Thomson & Son – a business which had been founded in the 1860s.
The shop was taken over to make way for the giant Buttermarket development that saw British Home Stores move in.
Ironically, BHS has now also gone, and that part of the town must again try to re- invent itself.
Joan Kirk, 84, provides us with a link back to Thomsons’ wonderful shop.
For in 1980 she was Mrs Thomson, and husband Gilbert was the third generation in his family to run the business.
Mrs Kirk recalls: “Other oldestablished clothing businesses had closed by then, but Gilbert kept profit margins low to stay competitive.
“However, BHS made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“It was a perhaps a blessing in disguise, as I got to spend time with Gilbert before he died in 1988, aged 62.”
Mrs Kirk later remarried but has been widowed for a second time.
The young Joan had come to Ayr in 1950 from Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire, to train as a nurse.
She later met dashing young shop owner Gilbert, and the pair were married, going on to have a son and daughter.
Hats were a significant part of the Thomson business when Gilbert’s grandfather opened the shop in Victorian times.
A large top hat is clearly visible above the front door in the old photo.