Urquhart Opticians expands with new Clarkston Practice

One of Scotland’s leading independent opticians has further expanded by adding a thriving practice to its growing portfolio.

Urquhart Opticians has taken over the former Burnside McPhee practice in Clarkston – bringing its total number of practices to 12.

The move follows the retirement of John Burnside who is stepping down after 35 years at the practice, but team members Mary Jeffrey and Lorraine Allan will be retained, taking the total number of Urquhart employees to 48.

They will be joined by Andrew Mostyn who has been with Urquhart Opticians for almost three years, but was previously with Black & Lizars at Fenwick Road, Giffnock. Andrew lives locally to the practice in Netherlee and his children attend nearby Williamwood Academy.

Urquhart’s is a well-established, award-winning independent opticians based in Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway. The business is continuing its expansion programme along the west coast of Scotland with a focus on market and coastal towns.

Managing director Peter Telfer said: “We’re excited to be expanding in Clarkston and looking forward to getting to know the patients and becoming part of the community. It is our first move back into Glasgow, having previously had a practice on Dumbarton Road up until 2015.

“We’re planning on refitting the practice by the end of the year and introducing a range of new equipment and frames, that will reflect the clinical offering across all of our practices.

“Caring for our community is at the very heart of everything that we do and delivering the highest levels of clinical care is our priority.

“Our Care & Community Fund gives local charities and community groups the chance to apply for a share of up to £1,000 every other month. We’re looking forward to doing our bit to benefit the community here in Clarkston.”

Urquhart Opticians was founded by Robert Urquhart in 1916, with the first practice in Dreghorn. Managing director Peter Telfer took over in 2015 alongside long-time friend and clinical director Alistair Duff. Both have gone on to become well-regarded thought leaders within the optometry sector while Peter chairs the Kilmarnock Business Association and sits on the Board of the Ayrshire Chamber.