Former Scotland football boss marks Stewart Travel 50th anniversary

Craig Brown cuts ribbon to reopen Prestwick HQ after makeover

Former Scotland football boss marks Stewart Travel 50th anniversary

Former Scotland football manager Craig Brown cut the ribbon as Stewart Travel reopened its Prestwick HQ after a 50th anniversary makeover.

Branch manager Donna Bicker said: “Craig lives in Prestwick and he and his family have booked with our Prestwick office for a number of years.

“I was delighted he could spare the time to open our new office and everyone enjoyed the occasion.”

Staff celebrated with balloons, cake and bubbly and offered a free case of wine for the first 50 bookers.

The Prestwick branch has been in the town since Stewart Travel launched in 1972 and has operated from the same Main Street location since then.

And business is “busier than ever”, according to the firm’s

Linda Boyd, director of retail, said that when the store opened, the Prestwick Airport air show hosted a Concorde prototype and Ceylon was renamed Sri Lanka.

She added: “It’s hard to believe but in those days you could have picked up a high-class, one week, all-inclusive holiday for just £50-a-head; bell-bottom trousers and miniskirts were in vogue; Donny Osmond was top of the charts, and Marlon Brando was making offers you couldn’t refuse in The Godfather.

“We are busier than ever right now. But we’re also especially proud that every branch has become a part of their community.”

The company operates 12 branches, in Ayr, Belfast, Bishopbriggs, Edinburgh, Glasgow City, Glasgow Forge, Helensburgh, Inverurie, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Paisley, Prestwick and Troon.

Pictured: Craig Brown (blue jumper) cutting the ribbon and opening the store with staff and customers.