Interviews of Betty Findlay

Biographical interview with Betty Findlay about the family business, Findlays Drapers in Stranraer. Betty gives a brief history of the business and of John Finlay, who started the business in 1896 in Hanover Street. Betty talks about how the business changed over time, and recalls war-time supply chains and the working hours for apprentices. The business changed further after her husband, Kenny, took over when he was demobbed from World War 2, in 1946. At that time, Kenny changed the practice to provide more choice over fewer lines. He also began to stock more camping and scout and guide related items.

Betty recalls a very busy, social shop but also recalls cash flow issues when people would hold off payments until they had received their 'milk cheques'. Towards the end of the interview, Betty recalls the last days of the business which closed in 1981 following the death of her husband.