A pharmacist’s had occupied the site at 29 Cromwell Street since at least 1899 when it was occupied by Samuel Lawrence. In 1904, W J Tolmie is listed in the valuation rolls for Stornoway as the pharmacist with Hugh Martin taking over in 1910. It is believed Kenneth John Macdonald came to work either with or for Hugh Martin. In 1921, Kenneth John acquired the shop outright and it became K J MacDonald. In 2011 it is in its fourth generation of family ownership.
The business expanded when the adjacent cosmetic business was bought by Kenneth John Macdonald, though they continued to operate as two separate businesses.
Kenneth John passed it on to his children, Isabel and William. Isabel worked in to the shop until her retirement at the age of 88. William passed his share on to his son Kenneth ‘Kenny Fags’ Macdonald, who in turn passed it on to his daughter and present owner Karen Macdonald.
Under the second Kenneth Macdonald’s ownership, the two businesses combined into one, and extended their range to include the chemist and pharmacy business, cosmetic business, gifts, baby clothing and accessories, and handbags amongst other items.
The shop is locally known as ‘Kenny Froggans’, a nickname given to Kenneth John Macdonald, who was renowned for calling after his dog, who was named Froggan.