Blythswood Care confirms closure of Wick town centre shop
Blythswood Care has confirmed the closure of its shop in Wick town centre, explaining that a mix of Covid-19 restrictions and commercial considerations lay behind the decision.
The Highland-based charity, which has operated from the former MacKenzies store in Bridge Street for many years, will be shutting at the end of February.
“Our lease has come to an end and we have decided not to renew it,” Blythswood’s head of operations Ian Matheson said today.
“Covid-19 restrictions have been a factor but not the only one. Every time a lease comes up for renewal we have to take a commercial decision.
“We do appreciate the faithful service of shop manager Lorna Ross, of shop assistants Lorraine Malley and Iona Macdonald and of all the shop volunteers. We also want to thank our customers for their support over the years at Bridge Street."
Mr Matheson added: “There is still the opportunity to support Blythswood’s work in other ways.
"We continue to be involved in the Caithness Foodbank which is operating in Wick and Thurso. We have textile donation bins at Wick Police Station and at Castletown, Helmsdale and Thurso Free Churches.
"And when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, you can access our bins at the recycle centres in Wick and Thurso.
“For those travelling on the A9 our charity superstore at Evanton is just two minutes off your route and we look forward to reopening it as soon as Covid-19 restrictions permit.”
Just before Christmas a handwritten sign was taped to the front door of the Wick shop saying: “We are closed from December 23 – thank you for your custom throughout the years.”
Despite repeated attempts in December and January to seek a response from Blythswood, no-one was available to comment at that time.