Look local: Dumfries keeps it in the family

Nicknamed the ‘Queen of the South’ by locals, the historic market town of Dumfries became a royal burgh in the 12th century, and since then its agricultural and manufacturing industries have thrived. Though Dumfries’ population is just under 32,000, the town’s optical practices provide services for at least 150,000 people living in the county.

Dumfries’ Specsavers store is a joint-venture partnership between retail director Jill Dickson and dispensing director Joan Scott, whose husbands also work in the practice (pictured below). Scott believes this close partnership helps bring a family feel to the store. ‘People do see us as a family practice which helps welcome more families to the practice too, we see patients of every generation,’ she says.