However, in 2014 Sandra Yuill, who ran the store alongside her late husband David for three decades, decided it was time to sell up.

Customers who have been using the newsagent since its opening lamented the change but they needn’t have worried.

New owners Alma and Stephen Reid have filled the void left by the Yuills, ensuring it continues to be a valuable asset to the town centre’s retail offering.

Now re-branded as Alma’s, the interior of the store has been given a major overhaul, and now includes a seating area.

But Alma herself says she has come to terms with the fact the store will always be known as “Yuill’s” to some people.

Speaking to The News last week, Alma said: “I know it will always be known as Yuill’s to many people, I’ve come to accept that and I really don’t mind it either.

“Yuill’s was a Barrhead institution and we are extremely proud to be taking over that legacy.

“But we have certainly put our own stamp on things.” Alma and Stephen have invested heavily in the shop, retaining its deli and takeaway services and introducing a cafe style seating area.

And they say the reaction from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.

Alma said: “We did have some people who have been using the shop for 30, 40 or even 50 years who really didn’t want things to change.

“However they have been very positive about the changes so far and everyone says they love what we have done with the place.” “Owning this kind of place is like a dream come true for me, it is something I have wanted to do for a very long time.” And Stephen has been blown away by the history embedded in the building, which is more than 100 years old.

He said: “As we started to rip apart the old interior, we found a beautiful old fireplace and window, as well as the remains of the old shops that were here.

“We found some fantastic historical ceiling coping, that we just had to preserve, and a huge basement which we had no idea was there.” Before it became one shop, the building was partitioned into three stores, including the newsagent, a cobblers and butchers.

However the Reid’s big move to Barrhead came at an interesting time for Barrhead businesses.

East Renfrewshire’s Chamber of Commerce is spearheading a Business Improvement District project. Around 182 businesses and organisations based in the centre of Barrhead will be consulted on how they think the future of the town should be shaped.

A steering group comprising local business people has been established and charged with the task of devising a five-year business plan tailored to the specific needs of Barrhead.

The project is one of a growing number of similar BID initiatives sprouting up across the country, with 27 already up and running, including in Giffnock and Clarkston, and a further 19 in development.

The BID framework has been used to enhance town centres, tourism or business parks with successful examples bringing a range of improvements such as better safety and security measures, community events, marketing and loyalty schemes, all of which can drive footfall and attract more investment.

And Alma was a member of the steering group until very recently, when she stepped back to concentrate on growing her own business.

She said: “I have been a member of steering groups in the past, and I know just what kind of commitment you need to give to them. At the moment, we are a new business and we are trying to grow, so I have decided to take a step back from working on the steering group.

“However I am still very much in the loop, and I have been helping them with leaflets and sending things out a lot.

“I think the BID is a great idea, and it can only benefit the town and businesses.”