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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

Adored Edinburgh fishmonger retires after working in shop for three decades

An adored Edinburgh fishmonger has announced he will be leaving his post after managing one of the city's most popular shops for over three decades.

Gary Huckle 51, has been working at George Armstrong's on Raeburn Place since 1990, but has now shared that he will be stepping away from the shop that has been a huge part of his life for many years.

An established part of the Stockbridge community, the shop is known for its fresh and high quality seafood, with the store always known to be a busy spot.

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Starting at the store over three decades ago in 1991 when he was just 21-years-old, Gary told Edinburgh Live he has developed an "incredible rapport" with local customers who have stayed loyal to them over the years.

He said: "I started in January 1991, I've been a manager there for 24 years and working there for almost 32, but December 24 will be my last day.

"I've always had a passion for fish-mongering and the customers there are great, they're always interested in all of the different kinds of fish and cuts, and I've developed an incredible rapport with a lot of them over the years."

Serving the residents of Stockbridge and Edinburgh for his entire career, Gary has served a few famous faces over the years, from Sir Chris Hoy to Gregor Fisher.

First meeting his wife, Linda, at the shop when the pair worked alongside each other in 1999, during his time as manager, the 51-year-old even appeared alongside the shop in a food programme with Greg Wallace, 'Gregg Wallace's Big Weekend in Edinburgh which aired on Channel 5.

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Now with his last day set for December 24, Gary said he will be retiring for at least "a few months" but shared that he doesn't think it'll be long before he finds a new project.

He continued: "It's the customers that have meant the most to me, it's their stories and the banter, I've made friendships there that will last a lifetime and I want to thank them for that. Their loyalty to both me and the shop means the world to me and I hope they continue to support Armstrongs and the other local businesses in Stockbridge because right now it's vital.

"It's sad to leave but I have sacrificed a lot over the years, working long hours and things, I have grandkids now and I'm looking forward to spending more time with them and my friends, it was a hard decision but it was the right thing for now."

You can find more information on Armstrong's here.

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