GLASWEGIANS have shared fond memories of the city’s oldest magic shop after it was confirmed to have closed.

Tam Shepherds Trick Shop, located at 33 Queen Street, officially marked its last day of trading from its original premises on November 9 after nearly 140 years in Glasgow.

The business first opened in 1886 and has served generations of families.

Following the announcement of its closure on social media on Monday, customers shared their favourite memories of visiting the shop.

One person said: “This is desperately sad news. I’ve shopped with you since I was about six or seven and still get a buzz now in my 40s when I come in.

“What a loss for Glasgow. A massive thank you to you all for keeping a smile on the faces of children and adults alike.

"We were in on Saturday and my boy bought a ‘spider in an ice cube’ and a ‘severed ear’."

A second person added: “So sad to hear you’re closing. I will never forget Roy showing me how to perform the Rainbow Cascade that he invented and the complex shuffle that came with it when I was a kid.

“So many amazing memories shopping in there.”

Tam Shepherds in 2018Tam Shepherds in 2018 (Image: Colin Mearns)


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A third commented: “So sorry to hear this. My dad took me to visit your shop during long and boring family shopping trips.

“It was always a cherished highlight of my childhood.”

Tam Shepherd's Jean and Roy Walton (June 16, 1995) Tam Shepherd's Jean and Roy Walton (June 16, 1995) (Image: Archives)

Another wrote: “My favourite shop. Tam Shepherds featured in one of the epic bedtime stories told to me by my late dad.

“I have introduced my own children to its delights on our many trips to Glasgow.”

Roy Walton and wife Jean, and daughters Julia and SarahRoy Walton and wife Jean, and daughters Julia and Sarah (Image: Mark F Gibson)

It is understood that the reason behind the closure is the redevelopment of the building that Tam Shepherds is based in.

The shop was established by Tam Shepherd in 1886 when Queen Victoria was on the throne. 

Queen St including Tam Shepherd 1972 (16 Nov) -Queen St including Tam Shepherds (November 16, 1972) (Image: Archives)

For the past eight decades, it has been run by the Walton family.

One day in 1965 Roy Walton, a renowned card magician, and his wife Jean were asked to look after Tam Shepherds for two weeks until a manager was found.

(Image: Newsquest staff)

However, Roy liked the job so much he quit his previous one and began managing Tam Shepherds permanently.

He worked there from 1969 until 2019.

Roy sadly passed away at the age of 87 in 2020.

Tam Shepherds was named ‘Glasgow’s Favourite Business’ at the Glasgow Business Awards in 2017.