For the past decade, the Railway Inn and The Platform Lounge has been a cherished spot in Dennyloanhead, owned and operated by husband and wife team, Graham and Jackie. They’ve poured their hearts into the business, making it a cosy and welcoming pub for locals and visitors alike.
From Regulars to Owners
Graham’s frequent visits to the pub, which was initially owned by their friends, set the stage for their unexpected venture. Eventually, the opportunity arose for them to take over, a decision that Jackie wasn’t initially aware of. After leasing the establishment for a trial run for three years, they committed to making it their own a decade ago.
Family Roots and Growth
Graham and Jackie lived above the pub for many years, but they’ve now turned the upstairs into a comfortable living space for their dedicated supervisor. Their daughters, Caitlin and Hayley, used to lend a hand while they were in education. The family has now grown with the arrival of their two grandsons. Our dedicated supervisor Sharon lives in the flat with our other supervisor Karen living locally.
A Place To Celebrate
The Platform Lounge buzzes with life through its lively events. From drag shows and cabaret nights to stand-up comedy and live music sessions, there’s always something entertaining happening under its roof. It’s also a great space for families to celebrate special occasions such as 21st birthday parties, christenings, and graduations.
Local Flavours and Tastes
Food is a highlight at the Railway Inn. They serve up freshly cooked breakfasts on weekends from 10am until 12pm and offer lunch and dinner seven days a week. Their commitment to local suppliers and fresh ingredients shines through in every dish. They do pub food, really well and every dish is made fresh to order.
A Great Spot for Sports Fans
Sports fans can watch their favourite games with a pint at the Railway Inn as they have Sky Sports, BT Sports, and Via Play.
A Team Effort
Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew of three chefs, two kitchen porters, and a team of eighteen keeps things running smoothly. Many of the staff have worked for Jackie and Graham for many years.
Festive Cheer in December
As the festive season approaches, the have plans to spread cheer with Santa Breakfasts, sure to delight both young and old. They are also hosting four Christmas parties with local singers such as Barbara Bryceland gracing the stage!
A Community Pub
The Railway Inn and The Platform Lounge isn’t just a place to eat and drink; it’s a community pub where warmth and hospitality come together. Graham and Jackie, along with their passionate team, have turned it into a cherished spot where families and friends can get together and memories are made.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Stirling, House of Henderson stands tall as one of Scotland’s longest-established kilt makers and gents outfitters, bearing a rich legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and impeccable service.
Founded by Robert Henderson in 1923, R.R. Henderson Ltd was established in the Clackmannanshire town of Dollar as a gentleman’s outfitter also providing school uniform and sportswear to the local community and beyond. As future expansion witnessed further branches open in both Callander and Alva, the business began to firmly establish its presence across the region.
In 1947, R.R. Henderson Ltd opened its iconic store at 6-8 Friars Street in Stirling, a location that would remain its cherished home for the next seven decades. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the majestic Stirling Castle, the store diversified its offerings to include an extensive range of high quality products, from children’s toys to ladies’ clothing and an expanding collection of gentlemen’s Highlandwear.
After several years working across the UK within the menswear retail sector, in 1983 Barry Henderson became the second generation to join the family business. Charting its new course Barry embarked on a transformational journey, shifting much of the focus over time towards classic casual and designer clothing while still maintaining kilts as the heart and soul
of the business. By 2001, the business would be rebranded as House of Henderson.
Current and future successes now lie in the hands of Jordan and Lewis, grandsons of founder Robert and the third generation of Henderson to carry the baton of this esteemed family-run business. Driven by a joint passion for Scottish heritage, clothing and retail, following previous careers in financial services the brothers have refocused the business around its core foundations of made to measure Highlandwear, formal dress hire, gents tailoring and premium Scottish gifts and accessories. House of Henderson also remain an official uniform supplier for the prestigious Dollar Academy, a relationship which now spans over a century.
Whilst working innovatively to introduce fresh perspectives on their time-honoured craft, the duo pride themselves on remaining a traditional retailer who have adapted to meet the needs and wants of a modern customer, whilst maintaining core values of service, reliability and a high-quality product. In utilising social media and online platforms to reach a broader audience; the business continues to welcome an ever expanding client base across the UK and internationally, drawn by the allure of authentic Highlandwear and a personalised customer experience.
House of Henderson now offer one of Scotland’s largest selections of Highlandwear. Their formal hire service caters to weddings and events of all sizes and with their own stock on hand, they can accommodate even last-minute requests. In servicing a diverse client base, the business focuses on providing as wide and varied a selection as possible whilst staying in touch with popular designs and trends. Their exclusive ‘Spirit’ range of tartans designed in house continue to grow year on year as a modern alternative to more traditional tartans also on offer.
For customers wishing to purchase their outfit House of Henderson offer a wide range of off the peg, made to measure and fully bespoke tailoring options. This boasts an extensive catalogue of over 8,000 of the finest quality tartans, tweeds and linings used for customising kilts, jackets, trousers and bespoke suits. As customers take part in the creation of their own unique outfits, the family’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail ensures that every thread is looking perfect.
For those seeking to embrace Scottish heritage and style out with traditional Highlandwear, an array of premium clothing, gifts and accessories are also available. From men’s Harris Tweed blazers, trousers and waistcoats to ladies shawls, hats and gloves; all are available for purchase in store and online with worldwide shipping options available.
As the business marks its momentous 100-year centenary, 2023 has already seen the outfitter for the third year running pick up the prestigious accolade of Best Men’s Outfitter at the Scottish Confetti Wedding Awards, cementing its place as one of the country’s most awarded Highlandwear and Groomswear suppliers.
The Henderson family’s passion for their craft, combined with their commitment to evolving with the times has ensured that House of Henderson remains a beacon of tradition and innovation, bridging the past and present for generations to come. As they celebrate a century of excellence, one thing is clear—the House of Henderson is destined to shape the future of Highlandwear while cherishing its remarkable history.
In conversation with Jordan and Lewis Henderson
What are the core values that have been passed down through generations in your business?
Quality, Service, Reliability & Commitment.
We pride ourselves on our knowledge, attention to detail and genuine in-house expertise which is not always easy to find. Providing competitively priced high-quality products has always been our priority alongside our desire to support Scottish and UK based manufacturers, delivering a personal service which goes above and beyond that usually experienced on the high street. Fostering long term relationships is also important. Reliability and commitment comes via a strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to our industry which has allowed us to adapt over time and grow our customer base with confidence.
What are the advantages of being a family business, especially in comparison to larger corporations?
Maintaining a long-term outlook, continuity and being able to commit to a shared vision are benefits we have seen in running a smaller family firm. Having both worked for larger corporations in the past, we have first-hand experience that they can sometimes be overburdened by rules and bureaucracy. Our ethos is to create a relaxed and supportive working environment in which everybody feels valued and part of the Henderson ‘family’. Our full-time team have all been in their roles for at least five years, so loyalty then starts to play its part in the ongoing success of the business.
What strategies have you used to adapt and evolve your business over time?
It’s important for any business not to be stuck in the past or get too bogged down by a ‘how things used to be’ mentality. Technology has had a huge impact on the retail landscape, so ongoing investment in our digital platforms remains a key focus. The last few years have seen us develop new tools including an online booking and outfit builder platform for our hire business and further invest in our online store, an area that has grown from nothing to a substantial part of our revenues. Wedding days are no longer such private events and social media has enabled us to showcase customer photos and our product ranges to a wider geographical client base.
Traditional Highlandwear like all clothing is still subject to trends and it’s our job to keep up and deliver on those. The last fifteen years have without doubt seen some exciting design and innovation spread across the industry, particularly in jacket styles and meeting the desire for more muted and weathered colour combinations. Both our bespoke jacket service and more notably our ‘Spirit’ range of tartans have all been created in response to these, where close collaboration with a select weaving mill has allowed us to launch a modern range of designs exclusive only to House of Henderson.
How does your family business contribute to the local community or industry?
With our personal and business connections to Stirling now stretching back over seventy five years, it’s a city we hold very close to our heart. Having representation on the board of ‘Go Forth Stirling’ enables us to have a positive voice towards projects and services that can benefit local businesses, our customers and visitors to the city centre. We also actively participate in raising funds for local causes with the Stirling and Bridge of Allan Roundtable and are members of the Glasgow Incorporation of Weavers; a charitable society aimed at preserving the textile craft whilst fundraising for educational causes.
How do you find a balance between family time and business commitments?
As we both have young children, maintaining flexibility around our working schedules to maximise family time is important to us. Alternating weekends and home working where possible both help us to achieve this. The summer months in particular can be an extremely busy time for any business involved in weddings and tourism, so it’s vital to offset this against other interests and taking time out. We both enjoy pursuits such as playing golf, live music and family holidays. It’s also important to set boundaries. When you meet socially as a wider family outside of ‘work’ our main piece of advice would be – try not to talk about business!
What are your long-term goals for the business, and how do you plan to achieve them?
We want to continue to drive forward with our ambitions as a one of Scotland’s leading providers of quality Highlandwear. The ‘death of the high street’ is an overused phrase. There are still plenty of exciting growth opportunities ahead for retailers who can strike an effective balance between their online and offline experience whilst differentiating on service – and that’s where we’ll continue to focus our energy.
What advice would you give to other families considering starting or maintaining a family-run business?
Whether starting from scratch or considering succession, it can be invaluable taking time to consider the specific set of skills, strengths and even weaknesses each person will bring to the table and how these can piece together successfully. As family members you will be required to wear several different hats. No job can be seen as too big or small so be prepared to get your hands dirty as and when the business requires. Above all else ensuring it’s something you are jointly passionate about will hugely increase the chances of success and longevity – you have to enjoy it!
Can you introduce yourself and share some background?
Certainly! I’m Jaclyn Moss, and I’ve been in the hair extensions industry for the past thirteen years. I live in Larbert with my husband, Steven, and our two sons, Jack and Jude. My husband runs a successful local business called Moss Plumbing and Heating.
How did your journey in the extensions industry kick off?
I worked in Stirling on a self-employed basis to begin with, then after having my first son I took the leap and opened my first salon in Allow which I co-owned with another hairdresser for five years. I decided to expand my business and open my very own salon in April 2022 in Alloa. My true passion lies in hair extensions, hair loss and educating. My premises allow me to continue growing my business whilst working in my dream salon.
What services do you provide in your salon?
My salon offers a comprehensive range of services. We specialise in hair extensions, but also offer hair colouring, nails, eyebrows and lash treatments and have a makeup artist on board. It’s a one-stop-shop for clients seeking various beauty treatments.
Can you tell us about your team?
Absolutely. I lead a team of seven remarkable professionals, most of whom are self-employed. We share a tight-knit bond and often feel like sisters. One special member is my best friend since I was 13; we’ve had a 20-year friendship that brings a unique dynamic to the team. Additionally, Leah, my assistant, plays a pivotal role in managing the salon’s operations and handling admin.
What ignited your passion for education and led to the founding of your training academy this year?
It’s part of who I am as a person to help others. As part of my expansion plan, I wanted to create courses for people looking to begin a career in hair extensions or those looking to grow their services. I have also just launched my brand-new hair loss course and have people from all over the world including America and Australia looking to train with me.
Witnessing some trainees contemplate leaving their full-time jobs to pursue this field full-time after training with me has been incredibly rewarding. My passion lies in nurturing their growth, and I’m thrilled that many are eager to return to me for further training.
Could you tell us about your academy and its vision?
Certainly! My academy came to life after a thorough renovation of the upper floor of my salon. This space is dedicated to a serene classroom environment, where I can provide intensive 1-on-1 support to my students. I envision my academy becoming one of the most renowned hair extension educational platforms in the UK, offering a blend of classroom and practical learning experiences. I also aspire to hold business events to help other business grow, as I believe in working together, never against.
What are some significant milestones you’ve achieved in your journey?
There have been quite a few remarkable moments. For instance, I had a student fly in from Canada to receive training, which was a surreal experience. I’ve also received inquiries about my training from all across the UK and even further afield. Collaborating with Nikita Docherty on a Pro Weft masterclass, both in Ireland and in Scotland, attracted trainees from various corners of the UK.
What’s on the horizon for your future plans?
I’m excited to launch my own brand of hair extension tools, specifically designed for weaves. These tools will be available online and exclusively within my masterclasses. The idea for this initiative stemmed from me desiring to help as many hair extension professionals as possible have access to quality installation tools.
Can you share a bit about your business motto?
My business revolves around supporting and nurturing others. Witnessing others grow and celebrating their success stories is incredibly fulfilling to me. Being part of their journey and contributing to their accomplishments is what drives me forward.
A new business has emerged on the local scene, captivating the hearts of children and parents alike. Little Miss Glam, located at 11 Lint Riggs, officially opened its doors on May 15th, introducing a range of delightful experiences including Pamper Parties, Glam Sessions, and Glam Summer Camps.
The visionary behind Little Miss Glam is Caroline Robertson, a well-known businesswoman in Falkirk. With a passion for providing unforgettable moments, Caroline shares, “This business has been a dream of mine for some time, and I am loving watching it come to life. As a mother of two girls, I wanted to bring to life a place that my children would have loved.”
The highlight of Little Miss Glam’s offerings is their Pamper Parties, which include an array of exciting features. Upon arrival, children are greeted with a Candy Mock-Tail, setting the tone for the ultimate pampering experience. They are then provided with fluffy spa-style dressing gowns and headbands to wear during the session. Over the course of two hours, age-appropriate products are used for foot spa treatments, face masks, nails, hair styling, and make-up applications.
Party-goers can also choose their preferred party music and capture memorable moments in the TikTok Corner, making it a truly special day. To sweeten the occasion, each guest receives a delicious cupcake to take home. Pamper Parties are priced at £30 per person, with a minimum of eight participants required.
Little Miss Glam is also thrilled to announce their Glam Summer Camps, catering to children aged 8 and above. Running during the week from July 3rd to August 7th, these camps offer an incredible summer experience filled with fun and glamour. Participants can join either the morning session from 9am to 11am or the afternoon session from 1pm to 3pm.
The camp week culminates with a lively PJ and pamper day. Soft drinks will be available for camp attendees. The cost for each 2-hour session is £15 per person, and a special discounted rate of £65 per person is available for those who book all 5 sessions.
Little Miss Glam is dedicated to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for children. While the Pamper Parties and Glam Sessions are recommended for children aged eight and above, younger children are welcome to attend with the presence of a parent or guardian on the premises throughout the session or party. The Glam Summer Camps are for children eight plus only.
To book an experience at Little Miss Glam, simply send a message through their Facebook or Instagram page, and a member of the Glam team will respond promptly.
Please get in touch with the Little Miss Glam Team directly for more information regarding their Birthday Parties and Glam Summer Camps!
From humble beginnings as an 18-year-old apprentice at McKenzies in Johnstone, Gavin Colquhoun has come a long way in his 22 years in the butchery industry. After working for a decade at McKenzies, he embarked on a working visa to Australia, where he continued his butchery career.
Upon returning to Scotland, he started his own business by taking over Elderslie butchers, followed by the opening of a coffee shop and a steakhouse, Elderslie Butcher, Steak and Grill.
He then bought the shop where he started his trade, McKenzies, before opening Kinnaird Butchers in Larbert in 2021.
Gavin’s inspiration for his business came from his love for the industry and the diversity of food. Kinnaird Butchers offers the best food experience to its customers, with a whole new butchering experience for cooking at home, using the best produce in Scotland. All items come with cooking instructions, making them perfect for anyone, regardless of cooking experience or time constraints.
What sets Kinnaird Butchers apart is their commitment to family, friendliness, health, and sustainability. They source their products from local farms and producers and use only Scottish-born and raised products. Their motto is to provide the best food experience possible to their customers.
Gavin’s businesses have won numerous awards, including Best Butchers in Britain in 2017, Best Steakhouse in Scotland in 2016, Best Burgers in Scotland in 2016 and 2019, and Best BBQ products in 2019. They have also won multiple gold grade taste awards.
Gavin’s future plans for his business are to continue expanding and offering new products while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and satisfaction. His advice to anyone starting out in business is to ensure they do it right and to put their whole heart into it. Gavin believes that half measures are for people who do not want to succeed.
Kinnaird Butchers is not just a business but a community. Gavin and his team pride themselves on getting to know their customers and their likes, with their customers becoming their friends. Kinnaird Butchers is a testament to Gavin’s hard work and dedication to providing the best food experience to his customers, and his journey serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to start their own business.
Kinnaird Butcher Shop and Deli McIntyre Avenue, Larbert FK5 4TQ 01324 469222
Alastair Barclay: Partnering for Success in Falkirk
In January of this year, Alastair Barclay assumed the role of partner at Kerr Stirling, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to the firm in Falkirk. Prior to joining Kerr Stirling in May 2019, Alastair spent five and a half years leading the commercial legal team at Sainsbury’s Bank. He also worked in private practice with the law firm DWF, specialising in corporate and commercial matters.
Alastair’s extensive knowledge spans the entire lifecycle of businesses, from start-up to exit. As a Falkirk native, he possesses invaluable local insight, and he is thrilled to be the partner representing Kerr Stirling in Falkirk. Alastair’s commitment lies in understanding his client’s needs and the intricacies of their businesses.
A Rich History of Excellence
Kerr & Co, now known as Kerr Stirling, established its presence in Stirling in 1977. Over the years, the firm steadily grew and gained recognition for its exceptional work in commercial and property law. In 2005, the firm experienced rapid expansion, prompting the rebranding to Kerr Stirling LLP. Throughout this growth, Kerr Stirling diversified its areas of specialisation, acquiring the reputable firm of Gibson & Kennedy WS and opening a Kerr Stirling office in Falkirk.
The Falkirk Office: Catering to Your Legal Needs
Kerr Stirling is dedicated to serving the people and businesses of Falkirk, Forth Valley and wider afield, providing a wide range of legal services tailored to meet the needs of their clients. Clients have commended Kerr Stirling for offering a strong and accessible alternative to big city firms.
The Falkirk office currently boasts a team of six knowledgeable professionals, and under Alastair’s leadership, it continues to expand. Alastair is passionate about raising awareness of the Kerr Stirling brand in the local community, ensuring that businesses and individuals alike know they can find reliable legal support right here in Falkirk. Moreover, when you engage Kerr Stirling’s services, you can rest assured that you will work directly with a firm who will provide personalised attention from the beginning to the end.
Active Community Involvement
Kerr Stirling takes great pride in supporting the local community of Forth Valley. Since December 2019, Alastair has served as a non-executive director on the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce board. Additionally, the firm proudly sponsors Falkirk
The Oxgang in Grangemouth has been around for many years but it has continually evolved with the times. Since October 2018, it has been under the ownership of the McBride family from Bo’ness.
Over the past four years, the family have been working hard to put their touch on this well-known establishment and revamping the restaurant menu. They’ve also built up an amazing team who all work well together. Business Owners Diane and Lisa say, “It’s the team that make the business.”
Dining
The restaurant is family-friendly with a warm and homely atmosphere and is headed up by Michael the General Manager and Adam the Assistant manager. There is also a new team in the kitchen led by Head Chef Craig and Sus Chef Josh. The chefs have put together a whole new menu which includes the traditional classics such as Steak Pie and Macaroni Cheese but with a new Street Food menu which has been incredibly popular. One thing they are passionate about is that everything is made fresh in their kitchen.
Events
The Oxgang remains a fantastic venue for special occasions with their smaller Executive Suite and their Ox suite for large functions. Both have their own private bars, sound systems and projector/screening capabilities. Get in touch to find out about their packages.
Hotel Rooms
They have recently renovated their en-suite rooms. Every room has a luxury mattresses, flat screen TV along with free Wi-Fi! Perfect for booking if you’re attending a function at the venue.
DTA has been in business for over eleven years in Falkirk – they are very passionate about helping women in business and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Deborah, pictured on the left with some of the women in the team – who set up the business went to school in Falkirk – after university, she went on to qualify as a CA with KPMG. She is passionate about giving young people an opportunity in the accounting industry. Over the years, DTA has given a number of students the opportunity to gain work experience while they have been at school, college or university. A number have gone on to secure training contracts with other national firms.
In the summer of 2021, DTA decided to extend the opportunity of work experience to create a Modern Apprentice role for a school leaver. Amy joined DTA in July 2021 on an initial 18-month apprenticeship studying towards an AAT – Diploma in Accounting. Amy has been a great success since she joined and will now study to become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant. The whole process will take Amy seven years -she will earn while she learns, plus she will be an integral part of the DTA team.
Due to Amy’s success, DTA is now looking for another school leaver. Please contact them at andy@dtaccounting.co.uk for more information on this exciting opportunity.
JH Kilt Hire in Grangemouth town centre has been kitting out clients across the UK in kilts and highland clothing for over 20 years. They have an outstanding range of tartans including the official Falkirk FC tartan and their extremely popular in-house designs, Breacangorm, Breacandubh and Destiny range.
They also stock the largest selection of accessories in the Forth Valley area, including sporrans, buckles, kilt pins, cufflinks, sgian dubh’s, ghillie brogues and much more. Jim Healy and his team will make sure you have everything you need to stand out from the crowd with their highland packages!
Ross and Nicola Weir are high school sweethearts who met in 2009 at Grangemouth Stadium when they were only twelve years old. Over the next 10 years they grew up together and their relationship grew from strength to strength.
On the 25th of June, on their 10th anniversary, with the view of Loch Lomond in the background, Ross got down on one knee and held open a Tiffany box.
Their first step in the wedding planning process was to secure their venue and Balbirnie House in Glenrothes blew the couple away. It was the modern vintage décor that Nicola always had her heart set on. The couple set their date for Saturday 2nd July 2022.
The Suppliers
Nicola gushes, “Each and every one of our suppliers was incredible and made our day everything we ever dreamed of.” They did their best to use as many local suppliers as possible.
Celebrant
Their celebrant was Sheila Scobbie from the Humanist Society Scotland. The couple wanted a personal ceremony that would be both relaxed and funny. Sheila did just that and the ceremony was everything the couple wanted.
Mother-of-the-Bride & Groom Outfits
Both the Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom got their gorgeous outfits from Catwalk in Falkirk. They both loved every minute of trying on dresses for the big day and found the service to be second to none. Nicola, “I thought their outfits complimented each other perfectly and both looked breathtaking.”
Bridemaids’ Dresses
For the bridesmaids’ dresses, Nicola’s bride squad had a great experience at Olivia Cameron. She says, “I knew I wanted the bridesmaids to be in silk but had originally thought the colour was going to be blush pink. However, while trying on the sample dresses the Tuscan Gold won everybody over. My golden girls looked incredibly glamorous.”
Hair and Makeup
“It was so special to have my sister Naomi Milne (LK Glam, Larbert) do my wedding hair and cousin Justine Weir (Tweedie & Marshall, Falkirk) do the bridesmaid’s hair. Laura Ann Smith (Smiths Hairdressing, Bonnybridge) was their other hairdresser on the day. They were all both so talented at what they do and made us all look and feel amazing.”
Finally, their Make Up Artists Tyler Lawless MUA and Rachel Wilcox MUA were a big part of their wedding morning. They joined the morning celebrations and had Nicola and her bridesmaids looking and feeling so glamorous.
“It was the most incredible day of our lives with all our amazing friends and family – memories to last a lifetime.”
