THE owner of a much-loved convenience shop in Tranent, who has been running the business for 38 years, is looking forward to spending time with his four grandchildren after selling up.

Jimmy Thomson, 68, put The Wee Shop, on the town's Blawearie Road, up for sale in March, saying that he planned to retire.

The business has now been sold to Deepak Kumar, who has moved from Wales to take over and run the business.

Mr Kumar purchased the business at the end of September, with Jimmy helping him get adjusted to the shop before stepping away completely earlier this month.

It is understood that Mr Kumar plans to continue to run the shop in its current capacity.

READ MORE: ‘End of an era’ as owner of The Wee Shop in Tranent to sell business

Laura Thomson, Jimmy’s daughter, told the Courier: "That's dad fully stepped away now and I think he's just getting accustomed to being retired.

"I think his body clock is still set to going to bed early and getting up early, but we'll see how long that lasts!

"I think the new owner is very well liked so far, my dad gave him some advice on how we've done things over the years but ultimately it is his business now.

"I think a lot of people will miss seeing him in the shop, but hopefully the new owner can continue it on."

Holiday plans

Mr Thomson, who lives in Gilmerton, has four grandchildren and Laura said that she hoped to take him on a family holiday where he could spend time with them.

"We're going to take him on a holiday I think. I think he feels he has missed out a bit with the grandkids because he worked so often," she said. "He's looking forward to seeing them some more and we're looking forward to spending some more time with him."

David Forrest, Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council member and former chairman, lives in the area and previously said that he would miss seeing Jimmy in the shop.

He said: “I have known Jimmy for years and was as shocked as anybody to hear he was selling up.

“I go down there almost every morning, so I have got to know him over the years.

“He is a real part of the furniture in Tranent and has been for a long time, so it is sad to see him retire.

“He told me that the time felt right, which I think is a fair-enough decision and I wish him the best.

“He has been a big supporter of the community council over the years too with our poppy appeals. He is a real community man.

“I hope Jimmy enjoys his retirement and I will miss seeing him in the shop in the morning.”

The business and property had been listed by agents Christie & Co at a guide price of £75,000.

Liam Bain, business agent at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, said: “This was a quick turnaround from coming to the market to then being under offer.

"The market for all types of retail shops across Scotland remains strong, driven by the many buyers who are looking to purchase profitable retail businesses with scope to increase turnover further.”