Look Local: Wick casts its net far and wide

Providing accessible services in the far north of Scotland poses challenges familiar to practices in the far south west of England.

Wick, a former Viking town built on fishing and agricultural trade, has for years been host to just one practice  – a branch of Scottish group Duncan and Todd Opticians, but this situation is set to change within two months, as we shall see.

Huge catchment area

The area’s sparse rural population means that customers travel for as much as 80 miles to visit the opticians, according to Duncan and Todd’s practice manager, Margaret Mackie. The widespread customer base compelled the Wick practice to choose its frame ranges carefully and offer a flexible service.