'Another blow for town centre' as insurance business closes
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A WICK insurance business has closed with the loss of two jobs. The MacDonald Partnership, which was based in Inverness, shut last Friday.
The business in Kirk Lane was started by the late Alan Ferrier in 1993 and was latterly taken over by the MacDonald Partnership.
Alastair Ferrier, who was involved in the firm with his father, said: " I am genuinely saddened for the loss of the business and the loss of the staff.
"It is the end of an era for a business that my father was involved in. But more importantly I am sad for the loss of two jobs to the town and also that the customers now will have to go to Inverness for their business.
"I feel close to this as this was a business I helped to build many years ago along with my father and the current staff."
He added: "This is another blow for the town centre which could have an impact on the footfall.
"When I was involved in the business we had customers from all over Caithness and further afield. They would pop in to do their business and have that priceless face-to-face engagement with the local staff. "
Mr Ferrier, who owns the building, is seeking new tenants.
Alan Ferrier moved to Caithness in 1973 to work with the Norwich Union insurance company and in 1993 set up his own business, which was based in a small office in Kirk Lane. In 2000 the firm moved to its present premises.
The firm was later taken over by the MacDonald Partnership along with the two staff.
The Inverness business was established in 1978 by Donald John MacDonald, who was known as Ian. His three sons, Ian, Ross and Ewan, joined the business many years ago and are all partners. Their father has now retired.
Despite several attempts no-one from MacDonald's was available for comment.
