End of an era as Perth jewellers to close after 154 years of trading

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A historic Perth jewellers will become the latest city centre business to close its doors as it stops trading after 154 years in business.

Cairncross of Perth, which has traded in the city since 1869, will close down on Saturday, July 29 after the owner Flora Rennie failed to find a buyer in a “challenging” retail sector.Seven jobs will be lost at the St John Street store.Bought by Mrs Rennie in 1988, 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.Mrs Rennie put the company up for sale in anticipation of her retirement.But with no buyer coming forward, she has decided to go ahead with her retirement, leading to the closure of the shop.Mrs Rennie said: “It is with great sadness that we bring Cairncross’ story to an end.“I am incredibly proud of the business and the people who have cared for and nurtured it over the years.“Together we have established a reputation for high-quality jewellery, the craftsmanship of own jewellery and exceptional customer service, earning a place in the hearts of many in Perth, in Scotland and beyond, who I know will be sorry to see the doors close.“At my age, it really is time for me to retire.“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.“My sincere thanks to everyone who has either worked with us or shopped with us over the years.”Mrs Rennie will continue in her efforts to find a buyer for the business – which boasts a classic B-listed shopfront designed and built back in 1911 – with Knightsbridge brought in as the