RADIO DJ and TV presenter, Edith Bowman, unveiled Specsavers’ new store in Scotland which is its 900th to open across the UK and Ireland.
The landmark opening demonstrates Specsavers continued commitment to high streets across the country.
The much-loved Scottish star visited Specsavers in Dalgety Bay to cut the green ribbon at the store alongside Specsavers co-founder Dame Mary Perkins yesterday (Saturday 2 November).
Specsavers has opened 100 new stores in the past two years with plans to launch more, bucking the trend of declining retailers from Scotland’s high streets.
Dame Mary says: “When we opened our first Specsavers store in Bristol in 1984 it was impossible to imagine that we would one day be opening our 900th store; it is an amazing milestone.
“Together with our partners, we are totally committed to providing people with the best value healthcare service and making a positive difference to the lives of everybody. We look forward to welcoming more customers in the years ahead.”
As well as cutting the green ribbon, Edith was on hand to meet the store team and customers and explore the store which offers optical and audiology services. She also took advantage of the store’s OCT (optical coherence tomography) scanner, which is hospital-grade equipment that can help detect glaucoma up to four years earlier than a standard eye test.
Edith Bowman said: “As a specs wearer myself, I am very aware of just how important it is to make sure eye health is a top priority, so I am delighted to see Specsavers continuing to bring healthcare services to so many towns and cities across the UK.”
Lesley Laird, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, was also in attendance.
She said: “I was delighted to attend the opening of Specsavers at Dalgety Bay and take the opportunity to meet the new team.
“Fascinating to learn how new cutting-edge technology can detect eye problems years before it becomes obvious.
“I wish every success for the store in the future.”
Creating eight jobs, the new store is headed up by Dalgety Bay local, Natalie Stewart-Murphy alongside Grace and Andrew Hepburn, who also own Specsavers in Dunfermline.
The Dalgety Bay store takes the total to 78 Specsavers stores across the majority of high streets in Scotland.
Grace Hepburn says: “This is a really proud moment for us. Dunfermline was Specsavers’ ninth store in the UK, so to be opening the 900th store is a really fantastic achievement.
“Andrew, Natalie and I are delighted to be part of such a strong brand and the support we have received from the Specsavers’ team has been incredible. We are delighted to be opening another store in the fantastic Kingdom of Fife.”
