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Collection TS10 - KJ Macdonald Ltd, chemist, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Reports

Identity area

Reference code

GB GBX TS10

Title

KJ Macdonald Ltd, chemist, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

Date(s)

  • 1899-2001 (Creation)

Level of description

Collection

Extent and medium

2 linear metres

Context area

Name of creator

KJ Macdonald Ltd, 1921- , chemist (1921-)

Administrative history

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.

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Cash books 1943-1981, customer accounts 1915-1954, ledger 1922-1945, wages book 1981-1982, day books 1914-1931, invoice book 1967-1979, stock record c1957, dispensary practical book 1942-1943, drug records 1960-1982, advertising 1976, receipt book 1996-2001, letter books 1994-1999, prescription book 1899-1971

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

The records are held privately and access is at the discretion of the owners. Please contact Tasglann nan Eilean Siar in the first instance.

Records containing information on individuals who may still be alive are closed to public access for 100 years in order to protect personal data. Such records are marked in the full catalogue.

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Language of material

Script of material

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Finding aids

Manual and digital item level list available in the searchroom of Tasglann nan Eilean Siar, Stornoway

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

Related units of description

Notes area

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Description identifier

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Dates of creation revision deletion

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