Aggh! Sometimes the fact that we're a family business can cause problems, particularly if there's a family event that needs everyone to attend. Can't think of the last time it's happened but unfortunately we've got two in August (the 10th and the 24th). As a result the Peebles store will be closed early on those Wednesdays. Half day closing is something we haven't done since the 1990's- so last century! We apologise for the incovenience- all our other hours remain unaltered.
In November 1992 we were working hard to get our shop in Peebles opened. We were living in a draughty old shepherd's cottage in the Moorfoot Hills at the time and one day, our landlady remarked that there was a famous mountaineer coming to give a fundraising talk in aid of the village hall. It seemed unlikely but yes, Chris Bonington was coming to Carrington. It proved to be a memorable evening that people still occasionally mention to us today. Standing room only with an eclectic audience of school children, Women's Institute stalwarts, elders of the kirk and a smattering of outdoor enthusiasts. It probably wasn't the kind of gathering Bonington was used to speaking to but his professionalism and communication skills ensured that his stories came alive for everyone in the room. At the end of the presentation we joined the scrum of autograph hunters and got his signature on a poster which we hung in our new shop on the day it opened. It stayed on the wall for quite a few...