A historic Perth jewellers that has traded for more than 150 years will close this summer with its current owner unable to find a buyer.
Cairncross of Perth, which opened in 1869, has been run by Flora Rennie since 1988.
Ms Rennie put the company up for sale in anticipation of her retirement.
However with no buyer coming forward, she has decided to go ahead with her retirement, leading to the closure of the business.
When the St John Street store closes, seven jobs will be lost.
Cairncross built on its heritage for high-end jewellery and watches, earning a distinct place in the market as the only jeweller to hold a licence to sell Scottish Freshwater Pearls.
Its B-listed shopfront was designed and built in 1911.
‘Difficult decision’ to close Cairncross of Perth
Ms Rennie said: “It is with great sadness that we bring Cairncross’s story to an end.
“I am incredibly proud of the business and the people who have cared for and nurtured it over the years.”
She said the shop earned “a place in the hearts of many in Perth, Scotland and beyond”.
And she was disappointed no buyer had been found for the business.
“At my age, it really is time for me to retire,” Ms Rennie added.
“But despite our strong trading record, the retail sector remains challenging and, sadly, a buyer could not be found.
“That left only one very difficult option to take and that was to close.”
Ms Rennie vowed to continue the search for someone to take over the business.
She also thanked everyone who has supported the shop over the years.
Challenging times for Perth businesses
The historic jewellers is the latest Fair City business to close its doors.
Earlier this year, children’s clothing shop Kids in the City, also on St John Street, shut due to “challenging trading conditions”.
Another clothes shop, Oliver Bonas shut at the end of last year.
Meanwhile, Perth man Ian Fenwick has launched an app to boost the city centre.
He set up Perthshire Local in March 2021.
The app highlights everything from special offers and information to menus at Perth eateries. It also directs users to the businesses’ websites.
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