Wick Market Returned To Town Centre but shops are disappearing

1st May 2022

The High Streets of most towns are suffering and Wick is in the same boat. Below are some of the stores and banks that have closed their doors.

Saturday 30th April saw the return of the outdoor market. New stalls displaying Ukraine colours were on show. Disappointingly some stalls that had been booked did not show up apparently due to fears about the weather. In the end it did not rain. The market will be a regular feature throughout coming months but check for dates.

Empty Shops/Banks in Wick
New Look closed on 19 April 2022
Homeaid, Bridge Street
Former Clydesdale/Virgin Bank
Former TSB Bank
Former Royal Bank
Former church recently a furniture shop but now up for sale again
Former Hustons Chip shop/restaurant now called Lets Eat - now bought but looks like nothing is happening after new Chinese owners bought it and nothing now happening.
Former Woolworth building remains empty having had a few different tenants.
Semichem - on a prime corner site.
The old Hydro electric Shop - still empty
Graham Beggs electrical and toy store still empty

A number of businesses are up for sale -
Hugo Ross - fishing tackle etc
Queens Hotel
Mackays Hotel
Wetherspoons - up for sale in 2019 but not sold so the company seems to be testing the market once again.
Keystore up for sale
The Toy shop
Birons Hardware
Rox Jewellers
Premier Cuts - barber shop up for lease.

Bill Fernie previously a Wick councillor and candidate in the election on 5th May for Wick and East Caithness ward said, "If elected I will ask to form a highland wide group of councillors to address the issue we are facing for businesses and the wider cost of living issues for everyone.

"In addition I will return to join the Wick's Heart group that have done some good work with assistance from the council in obtaining the two derelict sites of the cinema and the camps site now sold to become a Beer Garden attached to camps bar."

My experience as former Inspector of taxes for the north covering Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney and Shetland means I have seen how businesses operate and the problems they face. I have also previously held the position of Chairman of the Resources and Finance committee dealing with budgets etc.

I have a huge range of experience See HERE