Ayrshire optometry group snaps up Kilwinning’s former Optical Express in six-figure investment

An Ayrshire optometry group has further expanded its footprint with the acquisition of a town centre practice in a six-figure deal.

Liberty McArdle and Neil Gray will be working in the new Kilwinning Urquhart Opticians practice. Picture: Carol Macinnes

The investment by Urquhart Opticians will see Kilwinning’s former Optical Express branch refurbished, rebranded and restocked to offer a range of “innovative eyecare services”.

The new practice is the latest in a series of investments by Urquhart which, in recent years, has invested more than £500,000 in patient care and premises.

Last year, the business acquired a practice in Ayr, which followed expansion to new larger premises in Troon, the revamp of the group’s flagship Kilmarnock and Prestwick practices and the introduction of new technology and equipment.

The creation of Kilwinning Urquhart Opticians also marks the company’s return to North Ayrshire 90 years after founder Robert Urquhart moved from nearby Dreghorn to Kilmarnock, where the business has remained headquartered ever since.

The Kilwinning practice will be led by Neil Gray who has been with Urquhart Opticians since 2018. He will be joined by optical assistant Liberty McArdle, with a further number of posts expected to be created soon.

Over the last five years, Urquhart has been led by clinical director Alistair Duff and business director Peter Telfer, who are friends from childhood.

Telfer said: “As a business, we are 100 per cent focused on Ayrshire. As with all of our practices, Kilwinning Urquhart Opticians is in the heart of the town centre.

“Despite the many challenges faced by our town centres, not least during recent months, we firmly believe in their future as centres of independent retail, service and community.”

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