The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Stuart Milne of Finnies the Jeweller to retire after 42 years
Stuart Milne, General Manager of Finnies the Jeweller, has announced his retirement at the end of May this year.
“I’ve been fortunate and enjoyed 42 years of service with the Finnie family and believe now in my late 60’s it’s time to hang up my jeweller’s eye glass”.
Stuart joined Ron and Peggy Finnie in 1981 from the Bank of Scotland, where he was a Chartered Banker, to assist the business with the everburgeoning admin pressures in a rapidly expanding, popular local business.
Throughout the highs and lows of the local economy, Finnies has continued to evolve and develop its outstanding stock of jewellery and watches from the world over. “I enjoyed the business so much I was keen to learn as much about it as possible and undertook further studies with the National Association of Goldsmiths.” He gained his PJ(dip) accreditation. “Precious stones, fine jewellery and amazing watches are great fun to advise people on.”
Stuart, a Burgess of the Guild of the city of Aberdeen and a past President of the Junior Chamber in 1991, was encouraged into these positions by Ron and Peggy. “The management training gained from the membership of the Junior Chamber was invaluable, from project management to public speaking.
I attended Junior Chamber conferences throughout Scotland, Bordeaux in France and Helsinki, Finland. All great experiences and much fun.”
One of his projects with the Junior Chamber had him seek obsolete medical equipment to relocate to areas of the world to repurpose them safely.
One hundred hospital beds were among several interesting offers received, which provided quite a challenge.
These eventually ended up in an area of need in Arapiraca in South America (at no cost).
Junior Chamber International recognised the project with an award.
SCOUTING
Stuart was recognised with a silver “Thank You” badge from the Scout Association in 1996 at opening a brand new Scout Centre situated by the Lord Provost Alex Collie sports centre off Scotstown Road, Bridge of Don.
He had been involved with the project since the start some 18 years earlier.
As a leader initially and then the Group Treasurer of the 46th Aberdeen Scout Group from 1981, he was frustrated the group had “no home of its own” and was often moved on from meeting halls and schools around the Bridge of Don. “I was responsible for lobbying local councillors to assist us in finding a suitable site, fundraising and applying for the necessary grant aids available for such community projects. A parent on the Group Parents’ committee and now close friend, Rob Leslie, who was in the building trade, was the construction expert who made up for my complete lack of expertise in construction. From our determination and wonderful support from other scout parents, we finally got the job done!” Stuart continues…
“My wife, Fiona’s father, was the one who commenced the Scout Group at the Bridge of Don some years before having devoted most of his spare time to scouting.
We were very proud to have the new Scout Centre named after him and, in his honour, The James Wilson Scout Centre.”
Ron and Peggy Finnie kindly donated the wall clock that adorned the wall inside at the opening ceremony in 1996.
During his service to Finnies the Jeweller over the years, Stuart enjoyed travelling throughout Europe to engage in training seminars, Diamond grading in Antwerp and several trade fairs. Noteably in Basle (Basle World) and Geneva ( L’Haut de la Horlogierie). “These enriched my overall working experience on all levels, “says Stuart,
“Namely in product knowledge and socially. The people met were fantastic and fun.
Some of the social parties were incredible!”
ABERDEEN INSPIRED
At its inception in the city, Stuart was a steering group member that collectively managed the vote and set up this Business Improvement District, which we now know as Aberdeen Inspired. Designed to improve the attractiveness and business opportunities in the area, he was keen to ensure Finnies was included in the footprint of the area covered. Which it is, only just!
“I always thought it had to be a good idea,” says Stuart, “a city
centre association which has a budget, finance behind it, to make things happen, had to be a good idea!”
And it has been.
Stuart has supported Aberdeen Inspired since the start and has done so ever since.
“I recommend them to any business in the City centre”, he continues”. Aberdeen City would be the poorer without them”.
Enough said.
Stuart and another trader in George Street, Dave McGrath, were instrumental in setting up the GREATER GEORGE STREET TRADERS’ Association within the last ten years.
Stuart is often asked to comment on behalf of the traders and chairs local meetings as and when. The group’s objective of bringing the area’s businesses together is to improve the business opportunity of the area for those who operate within it.
“With thanks to the assistance of Aberdeen Inspired, the GGSTA, as it is known, has been successful in gaining an extension to the CCTV system in the area of George Street and the initiation of a Council lead Mini Master Plan for the area for its future development.”
Both were long-term aims that the
group finally agreed to.
Such experiences outwith the walls of Finnies helped enrich his own working experience in the area and clearly why he has enjoyed his 42 years there.
“In Finnies the Jewellers, we have always had great confidence in the area of George Street, which, like all other city centre high streets, fortunes have ebbed and flowed over the years.”.
Stuart was recognised in 2018 in the “Evening Express” Retailer Awards for his “Outstanding Contribution to Retail”.
As a destination store, Finnies attracts visitors from all over Scotland and beyond looking for quality jewellery and watches. To ensure this continues, a substantial investment has been made in extending the shop’s premises into the building next door.
It almost doubles the display area of the shop with exciting new displays and stock.
“Our last major expansion was over 20 years ago now, and after over four years of hard work and investment, the newly extended shop was opened at the end of March this year.
To say we are all delighted with it is a complete understatement.
We are thrilled!”
Stuart continues, “This seems an appropriate time for me to retire to make way for the enthusiastic next generation of management, which I wish ongoing success.
Some might call it work, but it was a pleasure for me!
He concludes.
“I’ve worked with some of the finest people within Finnies over many years, many of who have become close friends and that includes customers too.
Like the best life experiences, it’s all about the people I’ve met. I’m grateful to them all. Thank you, the Finnie family, for having me and my wife Fiona for her unfailing support the whole time.
Finally, if one wonders what Stuart intends to do in retirement. Fiona and I are blessed to have two wonderful children, two grandchildren, and they’re all close at hand.
I will continue with my involvement of 30 years with the TVR Car Club (15 years as organiser) and intend to drive across America. “That will do……..for a start!” Perhaps it will.