The Raimes Clark Connection


The history of both Raimes Clark, a manufacturer and wholesaler, and Lindsay & Gilmour is believed to have been intrinsically linked from the very beginning. Trading in close proximity to each other, it seems highly likely that Raimes Clark would have supplied Lindsay & Gilmour with medicines right from the early beginnings of both businesses.


After 1975 Raimes Clark continued to invest in expanding its network of pharmacies, and by the closing decades of the 20th century its main focus had shifted towards community pharmacy. By 1988 they had a chain of 14 pharmacies and made the decision to bring them together under one trading name.


The name Lindsay & Gilmour was adopted as it seemed to embody the traditional values of good service that the firm aspired to. The fact that it was one of the oldest pharmacies in Scotland and the longest established pharmacy in the group was an added bonus. All the branches were refitted with the newly designed blue and gold livery.


Today Lindsay & Gilmour is one of the most recognised names in Scottish pharmacy with 32 branches across central Scotland and the Borders. As well as being a functioning pharmacy, the Elm Row branch has also become something of a tourist attraction.


“Elm Row remains our flagship pharmacy. It is such a beautiful building and it is in the heart of the tourist part of Edinburgh. We get so many tourists visiting the branch from all over the world,” said Yvonne Williams, Superintendent Pharmacist for the Lindsay & Gilmour group.


“We have a great team in the branch, led by the manager Liah, who are fantastic at accommodating the tourists while also delivering all the clinical services you would expect from a modern day pharmacy,” she said.


The pharmacy group is celebrating the 200 year anniversary with a number of events including an evening reception at the branch, a family fun day, and a staff celebration and awards ceremony. They will also be taking part in the Doors Open Day which sees historical buildings opened to the public.


Today Lindsay & Gilmour is one of the most recognised names in Scottish pharmacy with 32 branches across central Scotland and the Borders. As well as being a functioning pharmacy, the Elm Row branch has also become something of a tourist attraction.


Key Milestones of Elm Row Branch 1826


T.E. Horwell (druggist) begins trading at 11 Elm Row in the elegant parade of shops and flats at the top of Leith Walk, newly developed as part of William Playfair’s Calton Scheme.


1828


Robert Lindsay (chemist) begins running a Chemist & Druggist at 11 Elm Row.


1841


Robert Lindsay becomes a member of the newly established Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.


1840-50s


John Shaw joins Robert Lindsay and the business is renamed Lindsay & Shaw.


1860s William Gilmour joins Robert Lindsay and


subsequently becomes a partner in the business which is renamed Lindsay & Gilmour.


1869


Robert Lindsay dies and William Gilmour becomes the sole proprietor.


1905


William Gilmour senior dies and his son, also William Gilmour, takes over.


Early 1900s


Lindsay & Gilmour awarded the Royal Warrant under George V to supply Holyroodhouse which they held until 1942.


1922


Fletcher Menzies McIntosh buys the Elm Row pharmacy.


1942


Fletcher McIntosh senior dies and his son, also called Fletcher McIntosh and a qualified pharmacist, takes over running Lindsay & Gilmour.


1975


Raimes Clark purchased Lindsay & Gilmour through their subsidiary, Red Band Chemical Co. Ltd.


1988


Lindsay & Gilmour is adopted as the trading name for the 14 pharmacies owned by Raimes Clark.


2026


Lindsay & Gilmour, which today has 32 pharmacies, celebrate their 200 years.


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