Montrose-based optician under new ownership

The addition of The Spectacle Company, which also has a branch in Stonehaven, takes the company’s Scotland-wide portfolio of branches to 43, retaining its position as the largest privately-owned optician and hearing care provider in Scotland.

The Spectacle Company practice on Montrose’s High Street will continue to operate as usual, while the existing Duncan and Todd branch on Market Square in Stonehaven has moved to the larger Spectacle Company premises on Barclay Street.

Frances Rus, Duncan and Todd Group managing director, said: “We're pleased to have added The Spectacle Company to our family of opticians. As a fellow long-established independent optometrist who is committed to providing a high quality and personal service to its local communities, it was a great fit for us.

“We are continuing to grow the Duncan and Todd Group as we add to our portfolio of branches and move into new areas. This acquisition allows us to expand into Montrose, which is a new location for us but complements our existing branches in Arbroath and Forfar.”

The Spectacle Company directors Graeme and Anne Shand are to retire.

Anne said: “It’s great to know that both our patients and staff will benefit from the ethos of an independent optician, caring for our patients in the same way we have for the last 26 years in Montrose and 23 in Stonehaven.

“With a proven track record and established roots, we’re happy for our business to still be ‘local’. Our long-standing members of staff will be a valuable asset to the new owners.”