Sandra Yuill handed over the keys to D&A Yuill on Cross Arthurlie Street, regarded by many as a Barrhead institution, on Monday.

And the 68-year-old said that she has been overwhelmed by the amount of support from well wishers who have handed over cards and gifts.

Speaking to the Barrhead News this week, Sandra said: “I have been here for 34 years this year and I felt that it was time to retire.

“But I have been inundated with cards and presents from well-wishers and it’s been completely overwhelming.

“There has been a lot happening recently and it is extremely touching to have the support and good wishes of so many people in the community, and I can’t thank them enough.” Sandra began working in the store with her husband David, who passed away in 2012, after he gave up a full time career as a sales engineer to take on full time duties in the shop.

Sandra and David became two of Barrhead’s most well-known faces, and hundreds of people attended David’s funeral at Bourock Church.

Sandra and David had two children, Warren, 36 and Vicki, 38.

David and Sandra both believed in providing employment to the young people of the town, employing dozens of paper boys and girls over the years and giving teenagers their first jobs in life working in the store.

Sandra said: “It’s something I really wanted to keep going after David passed away and we still get people who we employed years and years ago coming in to say hi with their own families and everything now.” Sandra has also witnessed Cross Arthurlie Street slowly change over the years, but one thing has remained the same in some ways.

She added: “I can’t thank my staff enough, some of whom have been here since the very beginning or even before!

“I will miss this but I felt it was time to go, and I felt that I needed to thank everyone in some way for all their support over the years.” Sandra handed over the keys to the store to new owners Alma and Steven Reid on Monday this week.

She added: “I wish the new owners all the best and every success.”