Bairns in Thurso had a choice of shops to spend their pennies
Thurso’s Heritage by a Thirsa Loon
Some time ago, I wrote about message boys and shopping habits in Thurso. Revisiting the topic, I’d like to share more memories that have come to mind.
As I mentioned, housewives rarely varied their routine, sticking with the same grocers and butchers for years. There were some essential stops for bairns if you had money burning a hole in your pocket.
Jessie Allan’s at 1 Rotterdam Street was a treasure trove for those lucky enough to have some pennies from a birthday or Christmas. Opposite Grove Lane, the shop sadly closed in 2005, and it was a haven for ornaments and toys.
Ornaments were displayed to the left, and to the right were Airfix models, which became all the rage, along with marbles in every variety imaginable: milky, bullseye, cat’s eye, red devil, clear, and tiger were some of the names that I remember. Toys lined the staircase, pinned to the wall, while the upper floor was packed to the rafters with delights for children.
Betty Riddle’s toy and gift shop at 57 High Street was another favourite at the bottom end of the town. The shop, the last building on the right before Carnaby Place, had three counters near the entrance. One display case was filled with tiny figures of cowboys, Native Americans, soldiers, and various farm and wild animals.
A gap in the counters on the left led to the back of the shop, which, like Jessie Allan’s, was a treasure trove. Shelves ran from floor to ceiling, crammed with toys, and to a child’s eyes looking away up to the roof, the wall of toys seemed endless.
For a seaside treat, Stephen’s chip shop on Durness Street was a favourite stop when heading to the beach to play. The shop, situated just before you turn into Gerry Square, was owned by William Stephen, who conveniently lived next door.
I believe he left Thurso in the 1980s to return to his native Orkney. Chips were a luxury; sometimes, you’d need to have a whip-round with your friends to ensure you had enough pennies to share a bag. Back then, chips came wrapped in newspaper, adding to the charm of the experience.
Before Stephen’s, I think Brasses owned the chip shop, later opening another on Swanson Street. I’m sure someone can give me more details?
Too hot for chips, Danny Craig’s on High Street was the place to be and arguably the best ice cream in the county! There was a table, maybe two, up against the wall, in line with the front door, which had brown wallpaper with vintage cars. Mannies would sit and blether here, puffing on their cigarettes or pipes. Between runs, the bus drivers also used the shop for their breaks.
At one time, Danny had a dog called Franco, a type of shepherd crossbreed. Many underage bairns bought a single fag from Danny for 5p, and I always remember being in the shop when Danny refused to take the money out of a lad’s hand, wanting it placed on the counter.
After a brief heated debate, the lad threw the coin directly into the ice cream, kept in a stainless-steel container, with a force that made it disappear from view. This resulted in him going out the door quicker than he came in!
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