It’s been quite a time of celebration for the Erskine family recently... Andy’s fantastic Olympic Gold and of course this year’s Wimbledon win. We have all shared in the excitement which has shed such a positive light on Dunblane but the gold theme is set to continue! This Autumn, RS Erskine Opticians are celebrating 50 years in business.
No small
achievement by anyone’s standards, and underlines their continued involvement in this community.
Seems only minutes ago that Roy started the Dunblane practice. Operating 2 half days alongside his job, in times when you weren’t allowed to advertise your services, just a plaque on the wall. He set up in a tiny property next to the Royal Bank. In fact the bank’s manager kept his appointment diary for him - not sure that would happen very often now! However, when the bank decided that they wanted to expand, they bought Roy’s premises, so Roy moved to 14 High Street, where they still are today.
It was hard work of course developing a new business, keeping your regular income coming in, and being father to a growing family but times were diff erent then aswell. Dunblane was much smaller, cars were not the norm, and no supermarkets so the High street was where everyone met and caught up. Roy’s wife Shirley held the fort at home (although often helped out in reception whenever needed.)
Everybody really did
know everybody else and the strong community spirit established then, is still in evidence today. Roy was a key fi gure in the Round Table (before the days of Rotary) and the other members were a huge support and encouragement to him and his plans.
A couple of years later he expanded into Bridge of Allan, a small place again, a couple of days a week. Roy’s ties to Bridge of Allan were strong as his father had been the Chemist there for many years. As he also off ered eye tests, he was the fi rst generation of Erskine Optometrists!
Things were of course getting busier and busier, and when adding the Auchterarder &
Crieff practices into the fold, he took on a partner to help him manage.
The business was founded by the need to support the local area, providing great customer service to local people.
Erskine’s
reach is far wider these days but those values are still true and carried on by Roy’s son Niall and his wife Tracey.
They took over the practice when Roy retired in 1992 and continued to grow and develop the business. Whilst the principles still remain, the world of optometry has become synonymous with technology and Erskines today is an advanced, modern practice. They have invested in the latest technology, indeed exceeded the expectations of what we would expect to fi nd in a large city, never mind our small High Street. Their ability to off er OCT Scanning and Optimap tests, the very latest eye care to their patients really does set them apart. They are a small family run practice with a big company vision!
Under their care, all the other practices became full-time and moved to larger premises. Their continued growth and progression ensures a skilled and developing staff , who can off er informed advice and help.
Erskines remains at the heart of the community they live in. Continuing to treat people on a individual basis and with the care and attention that was established at the beginning by Roy. Help them celebrate their amazing 50 years and keep an close ‘eye’ on next month’s edition!
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