07-07-2025
Iconic shop in picturesque Scots coastal town to close after almost 80 years
The third generation family business was founded in Glasgow in 1947
SHUTTERS DOWN Iconic shop in picturesque Scots coastal town to close after almost 80 years
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AN ICONIC store located in a picturesque Scottish coastal town is set to close its doors for the final time after almost 80 years in business.
The Iona Shop on Oban's Queen's Park Place will shut down next month.
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The Iona Shop sits on the shore front in the picturesque town of Oban
Credit: Google
Owner Alan Cathro is retiring after decades of service in the town, the Press and Journal reports.
It means that the popular jewellers and gift shop will close after 78 years.
The third generation family business was founded in Glasgow in 1947 and specialise in Scottish jewellery and gifts.
In 1966, it relocated to Oban where it has stayed ever since.
The store offers products from sometimes the smallest of workshops with designs taken from the Highlands and Islands.
Along with its own exclusive Iona Marble Collection, the store is also the only mainland shop that stocks Ola Gorie jewellery as well as Keith Jack jewellery.
It is a beloved store and a favourite with both locals and tourists.
It's understood that the shop will close down in August.
A 20 per cent off retirement sale has been launched by Mr Cathro, giving loyal customers the chance to pick up a bargain before the shop shuts for good.
Earlier this year, family-owned Beaverbrooks, which runs 89 jewellers across the United Kingdom, announced it was closing two Scottish branches.
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The brand, which was established in 1919, is renowned for its diamonds, rings, and luxury watches.
But the shutters were pulled down on its Dundee and East Kilbride shops in March.
And bosses of a beloved family jewellers said they have been left with a "heavy heart" after revealing they will close after 71 years in business.
Victor and Sons, in Blairgowrie, is run by brothers Richard, 79, and George Kusza, 64, also shut down in March.
