Fury after Sainsbury’s tell Kirkintilloch fishmonger to sling his hook

George Hamill (66) has run the ‘Shaky’s Plaice’ van in the car park of the Kirkintilloch branch of Sainsbury’s (previously the Co-op) since 1995, having previously run a shop in the town’s Industry Street.

But now he’s been told he’ll have to pack up and leave by the end of August, because the supermarket giants have refused to renew his lease.

He broke the news to his customers last week, prompting a flurry of angry phone calls, letters and emails to the Herald office.

Kirkintilloch resident Alison Cannibal has now launched a petition and a ‘Save Shakey’s Plaice’ Facebook campaign in a bid to get Sainsbury’s to change their mind.

She said: “He’s been there for 18 years and I think it’s terrible that a huge company like Sainsbury’s would want to take away somebody’s livelihood like this.

“It’s more than just a fish van. George is a real part of the Kirkintilloch community and knows all of his customers.”

George has now pledged to fight the decision after being “humbled” by his customers’ reaction.

He told the Herald: “I really got quite emotional with the response from my customers.

“Reading some of the things people had written on the petition broke my heart.

“I was just going to go quietly, but it’s made me think I should put up a bit of a fight and not just roll over.”

If you would like to sign the petition go to the fish van or sign online via the Facebook page.

Sainsbury’s were unable to provide a comment on this story as the Herald went to press.

* Have you got a story, picture or comment? E-mail [email protected]

Alternatively you can call the newsdesk 0141 775 0040, find us on Facebook or visit us on Twitter

Or you can log in below and have your say on the site...