News of the St Giles Centre’s closing sent shockwaves around Elgin and Moray this week.
The area’s biggest shopping centre – opened in 1991 – will close on January 20, 2025, with all businesses having to pack up by that date.
Centre manager Robin Nicholson ahead of the opening of Elgin’s St Giles Shopping Centre in November 1991.Picture: Northern Scot Archive.
Councillors, business representatives and members of the public were quick to express sadness – and wish employees and businesses all the best.
The news also provoked memories for our readers – many of whom will remember the centre opening in the early 1990s.
We dipped back through our archive and found the article written in The Northern Scot when the centre opened.
Proud-looking centre manager Robin Nicholson was snapped showing off the interior – where businesses had booked units.
The first companies in the St Giles Centre were: John Menzies (newsagents); Superdrug; Benetton (clothes shop); Clothesline; Hydroelectric Board; Dorothy Perkins; Radio Rentals; the Old Brompton Trading Company (card shop) and Spectacles and Contact Lenses Ltd.
Ahead of the opening of Elgin’s St Giles Shopping Centre in November 1991. Picture: Northern Scot Archive.Ahead of the opening of Elgin’s St Giles Shopping Centre in November 1991. Picture: Northern Scot Archive.
Smilies, the Elgin bakery, and Christies the florists had also reserved units.
Delifrance operated the original mall café.
What are your memories of St Giles Centre? Share them with us on social media or at newsdesk@northern-scot.co.uk
What will Elgin look like after the St Giles Centre closes?
Ahead of the opening of Elgin’s St Giles Shopping Centre in November 1991. Picture: Northern Scot Archive.