Scottish joke shop dubbed 'oldest in the world' closes doors for final time

A Scottish joke shop thought to be the oldest anywhere in the world has closed its doors for the final time.

Tam Shepherd's in Glasgow served its last customer on Saturday. The store, which was opened by Tam Shepherd in 1886, is situated in Glasgow's Queen Street and served countless customers over the near 140-years it was open.

For the last 75 years it has been run by the Walton family, and owner Jean Watson took to social media to break the news of the closure - and plans for the future. She wrote: "We are sad to announce that Saturday 9th November 2024 was the last day of trading from our long established bricks and mortar shop in Queen Street.

READ MORE:ScotRail services cancelled across country after vehicle hits level crossing barriers

READ MORE:Stuart Hogg's girlfriend shot down warning about star's behaviour in messages to secret ex

"The building that we are a part of is to be redeveloped. The new development includes retail space, and we have the opportunity to re-open in what we hope will be a revitalised, small-business friendly, city centre. However, the uncertainty over the redevelopment, together with high costs of being a small independent shop in the city centre in the current climate, is not sustainable for us."

Glasgow Live reports the days of the brick-and-mortar shop appear to have come to an end as the site, which includes the former nightclub Archaos, is set to be partially demolished to make way for a 14-storey student accommodation block. The green-lit project will see 195 beds and a ground-floor retail unit built alongside a cinema, gym, games lounge, dining room, and study area.

But the brand will continue online and the owners hope they will be able to re-open at another location in the future. Jean's post continued: "Tam Shepherds will continue with our online shop tamshepherds.com supplying customers with our range of magic, tricks, jokes and costumes.

"To all our customers and friends, thank you so much for your continued custom and support. We hope to welcome you back in the future. And thank you to Glasgow for making Tam Shepherds the shop it has been." Tam Shepherds was run by Roy Walton until he passed away in 2020 at the age of 87.

Since then, the business has been run by his family, including Roy's wife Jean and daughters Sarah and Julia. Following the announcement, heartbroken locals took to social media and shared their memories of the legendary joke store. Andrew James Speirs wrote: "This is truly the end of an incredible era. The Shepherd's Trick Shop sign is iconic and will be sadly missed.

"I'm gutted I can't come in one more time. Much love to the whole family, and best of luck for the future." Tommy Templeton said, "The shop and Roy were a big part of my magical journey. I'm glad I popped in a couple of weeks ago to say hello and buy Cascade, which I love performing. I wish you all the best for whatever lies ahead."

Craig Hutcheson added: "I remember my excitement as a kid coming into Glasgow to eventually end up at Tam Shepherds, hoping Roy was behind the counter. He was always happy to perform a trick or routine if you weren't sure before buying. It was a unique and magical place that'll be very much missed. All the best to the family and good luck for the future."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.