We opened our doors in July 2018 but the story doesn’t just begin there!
Our old shop, Mugshots was right next door and was a very small store front for our embroidery and heat-transer business. To create revenue we sold Scottish themed souvenirs mainly to tourists during the Summer season.
The embroidery business started to expand and outgrew its original workshop space situated within Douglas Swan & Sons (our parent business) main premises. When Sylvan Charm closed and 14 St Cuthbert Street came onto the market it made perfect sense to purchase the property (especially as the rear garden is connected to Douglas Swan & Sons property).
After almost two years of negotiating, planning, refurbishing, moving equipment and rebranding, Banks and Braes was born!
The embroidery workshop is now at the rear of our lovely new large retail space and we have established ourselves as a gift shop in Kirkcudbright. We have moved away from the traditional tartan souvenir shop of times past we have an eclectic and stylish range of stock that both locals and tourists love.
The year 2020, coronavirus, lockdown and new restrictions have brought with them various challenges – however we are open again! We have enjoyed a busy Summer Season and are now looking to expand with our website and online shop.
We hope you enjoy what we have to offer,
Sara & Carrie x