Paisley tobacconist looking to sell store after 37 years

Bob Macfarlane, who owns and runs Harvies Tobacconist on Moss Street, has been serving punters in the store for the last 37 years.

However, as the 69-year-old approaches his 70th birthday next year, he is looking to start a new chapter in his life and sell his much-loved shop.

The store was established around 100 years ago by James Harvie and then taken over by Bob's father.

"My father had the shop before me and I was employed elsewhere", the cigar connoisseur said.

"However, I wasn't happy and wanted to move on. I then came to the shop on a temporary basis and here I am, still here."

His store specialises in "good quality handled cigars, pipes, lighters, and all accessories including tobacco pouches and cigar cutters".

Now after almost four decades of serving customers, the kind-hearted man feels like it's his time to move on.

"I've always enjoyed the work and liked the rapport with the public," Bob said.

He added: "I've had quite a few funny situations and things, however, I'm not sure they are something you'd want to repeat.

"But I think the time is right for me because I've got a big birthday coming up in January and I think I want to call a halt fairly soon."

As part of selling up, the tobacco man will embark on his retirement journey, which he is looking forward to - especially as he would have some more free time.

Bob said: "I'd just like to get a wee bit more exercise and be available to do things I want when I want without having to come into the shop all the time."

On top of that, the pipe retailer said he is looking forward to cracking out some games of golf and spending time with his grandchildren.

However, he also hopes his family business will continue trading as a tobacco store in the town.

"I would like to think someone would be interested in wanting to keep it as a tobacconist because there are so few of them about in Scotland, there is only a handful of them.

"It would be nice to see it still be run as one.

"There are a lot of regulars so I think it would be a shame if it went", Bob added.

The shop will remain open for the foreseeable future, if you're interested in buying the store, you can contact Bob on 0141 889 5046.