One of Scotland’s best?known furniture retailers, George Knowles Snr, has died aged 96.
Mr Knowles established Sterling, near Tillicoultry, in 1974 following his grandfather who founded Knowles House Furnishers, which he later took over.
Sterling was passed to his son, George Jnr, who died in 2003 and then to his daughter, Lesley, who died in 2024.
The firm is now run by his grandchildren Murray, Euan and George. The family said that continuity always meant a great deal to him.
A family statement said: “We’re very sorry to share that our grandfather, George Smith Knowles Sr, passed away.
“Many of you will have known him personally or worked with him over the years, so we know this news will mean a great deal to many across the business, not just to us as a family.
“From those early days in Tillicoultry, he built something that became part of communities across Scotland.
“Those who worked with him will remember him exactly as he was: straight?talking, sometimes blunt, always determined, and deeply caring about people.
“Many will also remember the unmistakable sound of him clearing his throat somewhere in the building – the early warning that he was on his way and you’d better know your numbers.”
The company recently hired the TV personality Vogue Williams as an ambassador for one of its ranges.
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