04/04/2026
Well folks it's the end of an era for my wee shop ♥️ "BlackHouse" ♥️ here in Gullane.
I have handed over the keys to the new tenant and done the final inspection with my lovely Landlady Joyce.
It's been 18 years of graft, laughs, tears and astonishment and more laughs at the things people asked for, from ci**rs, champagne, pipe cleaners, ladies tights and much, much more 🤣🤣🤣.
Over the 18 years I have joined you in your happiness with new babies being born making you new grandparents and making new mum and dad's ♥️
I've seen your children grow and go onto university, some travelling the world on their own new adventures and hearing all of the amazing stories from your travels, University or from the new and exciting jobs that have come your way♥️
I have cried at the loss of some very dear customers that had become part of my shop life...with the oldest and the most amazing woman who shopped at BlackHouse for years and years, finally passing away aged 104 years ♥️
I have been a "doggie caretaker" when folk were running to the shops and have been thrilled to be introduced to your new puppies and gorgeous dogs as we always welcomed them into the shop and also mourned the loss with my customers when their beloved pets passed away ♥️
I have met amazing, inspirational people from all over the world and always looked forward to seeing them every year or when they could return to Gullane, people from Australia, America, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Canada...it's been an absolute pleasure to get to know these lovely people that because regular customers to BlackHouse and supported my wee shop from afar...thank you all 💙
It's been overwhelming in the last few weeks since I announced that I was closing my shop and my reasons for doing so.
I handed in my notice last October and since then it has been an emotional rollercoaster for me.
But my stress levels couldn't do it anymore and when I handed over the keys it was with huge sadness if I'm totally honest, but happy and excited for the new lease holder because Gullane is a wonderful place ♥️, the people are generous and enormously supportive of local businesses ♥️, my 18 years have been an absolute pleasure and I wouldn't change any of it ♥️.
Can I also say a HUGE thank you for the flowers, cards, chocolate bunny, shortbread and delicious homemade tablet, I will cherish all the cards and enjoy the flowers ♥️.
So THANK YOU to ALL of you, near and far for giving me the best wee shop in Gullane, after all, if it wasn't for you, BlackHouse would never have lasted as long as it did, you did that and I thank you all ♥️
Lynne x