The Vintage Shop opens on Dumfries High Street

Dumfries High Street is home to a new treasure trove.

The Vintage Shop has opened in The Printworks, a community-owned building with a special part in the town centre’s story.

For entrepreneur Lynette Illingworth, the move begins another chapter for her business, which she started in her kitchen 11 years ago.

And she believes the historic tile-covered setting of The Printworks - buildings which once housed printing presses which were a key part of historic life in the High Street- are perfect for her collection of striking and quirky collectables.

Lynette said: “Of all of the places I’ve worked from, this is my favourite. I love it. It really suits my business.

“I looked at other places, but this is the one that works best for me in so many ways - with great access to the High Street.”

The Printworks - owned by Midsteeple Quarter Community Benefit Society - is accessed from the close which runs down from The Press, next to The Plainstanes.

It is now packed with vintage items - from paintings, furniture and phones to historic crates, signs and unique collectors’ items.

“I buy and sell anything quirky,” said Lynette, of Dumfries. “I source as many items as I can locally. I really enjoy finding quirky and unusual things to sell.

“The things you learn - and the people you meet - along the way are really interesting.

“I started off by painting furniture at home and things have grown from there. I really enjoy my work.”

The Vintage Shop has moved to The Printworks from The Whitesands. Lynette has previously worked from premises in Queensberry Street and Irish Street.

Midsteeple Quarter Executive Director Tim Cowen said: “It's great to see the Printworks occupied again. I cannot think of a better fit for its unique surroundings than a truly individual business like The Vintage Shop.

“Lynette is a very welcome addition to the entrepreneurs who call our community-owned buildings their home. We hope people from throughout the town and across the region will pop in to look through the many amazing items she has.”

Midsteeple Quarter is encouraging people to shop locally and support businesses of all types in Dumfries town centre during the final countdown to Christmas.

All of its shopfronts are currently occupied by local enterprises - The Bust Stop at 109 High Street, Flourish at 111 High Street, Batter & Patter in The Smithy and Ashagifts, which is in The Standard until December 28th.

The Vintage Shop is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am until 4pm.