Christmas Past and Presents

Iain Ferguson

This Christmas may well be diff erent to anything we have experienced before. What is usually the time of major family gatherings has been reversed by the Covid pandemic with almost everyone deliberately planning separate celebrations in line with health regulations.

One thing that won’t change, however, is the giving of presents and while people in diff erent parts of the country may fi nd they are prevented from physically going to the shops, we in Lochaber will probably fi nd this does not apply.

So why not take full advantage of this and shop local.

Until quite recently people actually only gave and received things that could be bought in the immediate vicinity and very rarely did Santa fail to deliver what children wanted. Adults, too, were well catered for in local shops of the

day and in 2020 the choice certainly equals or is even more diverse than what could be found in Christmas past.

Over the years, many well known local shops and names may have been replaced by new ones, but no matter the distance in time they are still present in the minds of local people, triggering happy memories of festive visits to the Fort William High Street of their childhood.

Subscribers to the Fort William Historical Society Facebook page mentioned a few names such Marion Weir, Marshall & Pearson, MacLeod’s Top Shop, Peter MacLennan, Reids, Co-op Hardware, Kennedy’s, Toymaster - all of which mean something to someone across all ages. They also shared a few thoughts.

‘I have fond memories of seeing lots of great toys and games upstairs in the Top Shop - John MacLeod’s shop, where Clanjamfrie is now. Also early days of Nevisport where they had a great selection of plastic sledges on display. I guess we wanted simple things and toys that could be used outside.’

‘Marion Weir’s ....small shop with basement but completely crammed with toys and records...best range of toy soldiers.’

‘The Top Shop had toy models of forklifts and diggers and was a great shop.’ ‘Toymaster was an amazing shop, gifts for all ages and all budgets catered for. Fantastic and helpful staff , always taking part in the late night shopping and helping Santa’s elves to get organised.’ a few clues in the quotes, but bikes and books were always popular, as were toys, from tin-plate to the modern day plastic. Games, jigsaws, train sets, model kits, painting outfi ts, not forgetting the special sweets

‘Remember and selection Marion Weir’s? boxes - all set She knew where I have fond memories of young hearts everything seeing lots of great toys and racing in the games upstairs in the Top Shop - John MacLeod’s shop, where Clanjamfrie is now. was, although it was certainly crammed. Our family had fun looking round. I remember we got a brightly coloured spinning top - shows my age!’ colourful displays of the day. Well, as is said, ‘some things never change’ and all of these are almost as popular today as they were decades ago. Perhaps not

‘Mary and Margaret Gordon’s surprisingly, a visit to the shop was next door to present day High Street and Robertson’s.’ other local shops will reveal a

‘Did Cassels have a toy area huge choice is still available on to the back of the shop or is your doorstep. my memory deceiving me?’ The list has even been added

So what was being bought to with a whole spectrum of by parents and children electronics and computer on their visit to this festive marvels not even dreamt of in Pandora’s Box? Well there were the most far reaching science

fi ction of past times.

Other than creating future fond memories for the little ones with eyes sparking at shelves full of exciting products amongst colourful Christmas decorations, going ‘down the street’ also means you have the chance for a good look at what is on off er and judge the size, weight, colour and value for money and actually take it home with you.

How often has something been bought which looked good on the monitor but is a bit disappointing when it arrives? This is followed by a frustrating trip to the Post Offi ce to return it.

A walk around the shops also has the benefi t of helping truly local businesses survive and prosper, remaining a physical part of the community for years to come. Have a think about your own memories of Christmas past when planning Christmas ‘present’.

Think community this Christmas

Throughout this year’s problems Lochaber has been a shining example of all that’s best in a caring community.

It goes without saying that everyone is supporting their neighbours, older relatives and friends but do not forget that the community as an entity needs us all to unite and help it to keep it healthy during this strange time.

And that includes fi nancial health as well. As the area’s chamber of commerce keeps stressing: shop locally.

We might not have Lochaber’s legendary ‘Mad Friday’ this year when everyone coming home for the Christmas holidays, be it from working away or studying, goes

out to celebrate. socially distancing times and has socially distancing times and has

We can still enjoy all the We can still enjoy all the already been the venue for a craft already been the venue for a craft incredible drinks brewed and incredible drinks brewed and fair. The newly built Highland fair. The newly built Highland distilled here – think drinking less, distilled here – think drinking less, Cinema is just a stone’s throw Cinema is just a stone’s throw but drinking smarter. but drinking smarter. from here and if you haven’t from here and if you haven’t Although it has been more than three years in the planning and fi nancing the new seven metre-wide canopy in Fort William’s Cameron Square could not have arrived at a better time. A joint venture involving the Fort William Town Team and the town’s marina and shoreline company, it is just experienced it yet – it’s a must. Great idea for Christmas Gift vouchers too! Whatever you are thinking of giving this Christmas, give the gift of local – food, drink, entertainment, clothing, jewellery, home accessories, gifts and toys are available in abundance from brilliant businesses on the high street and across Lochaber. Although it has been more than three years in the planning and fi nancing the new seven metre-wide canopy in Fort William’s Cameron experienced it yet – it’s a must. Great idea for Christmas Gift vouchers too! Whatever you are thinking of giving this Christmas, give the gift of local – food, drink, entertainment, on the high street and across Lochaber. Remember that this year many hotels and restaurants are here to cook your Christmas dinner or festive dinners be it socially-distanced indoors or by o ering takeaway services. Book early! the thing for these

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