A joke and magic shop that claims to be the oldest in the world has closed after 138 years.
Tam Shepherds Trick Shop has been a Glasgow institution since 1886.
The store attracted generations of aspiring magicians, thanks to its collection of pranks, costumes and magic tricks.
Magician Roy Walton worked behind the counter for decades before passing away in 2020, but volumes of his books are still being sold.
He owned the store from 1969 to 2019 and passed it on to his daughters Julia and Sarah.
The family-owned business on Queen Street will be moving online-only as the building is redeveloped.
A statement on the store’s Facebook said: “We are sad to announce that Saturday 9 November was the last day of trading for our long-standing physical store on Queen Street. The building we are part of is being redeveloped.
“The new development will include retail space and we have the opportunity to reopen in what we hope will be a revitalized, small business friendly town centre.
“However, the uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment, together with the high costs of running a small independent shop in the city centre, is not sustainable for us.
“Tam Shepherds will continue to operate our online store, providing customers with our range of magic tricks, pranks and costumes.
“To all our customers and friends: thank you very much for your support and efforts. We hope to welcome you again in the future. And thank you to Glasgow for making Tam Shepherds the store it has always been.”
In a comment on Facebook, someone wrote: “The history of the magic shop is known all over the world. Wizard visitors always stopped by when they were in town.
“It is therefore a shame that the store is closed. I would like to hear whether a new building will be available for you in the future. A visit to the store over 40 years ago set me on my magical journey. Still on that journey today.”
Another added: “Sad news, for a shop that has been a constant in Glasgow, my father used to go to this shop as a boy in the late 40’s-50’s, taking my brother and I with him in the 60’s-70’s, around me with my children in the 90s-2000s.
“Many children will lose the fun of looking for jokes, tricks, etc. to play with family and friends.”