Final job as historic Ayr firm goes bust

Jun 19 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

HE was the last man standing for Ayr’s oldest firm.

But now painter Allan Robertson is redundant at the age of 64.

Allan finished off the final job done by builders William Paton & Sons, founded in 1867.

It was a modest interior paint job in a new laundry at the Cumnor Hall care home in Ayr.

“I never thought it would come to this,” said Allan, from Coylton.

“I’ve painted inside Culzean Castle, as well as schools, hotels and private houses.”

Allan began his working life as a 15-year-old apprentice with William Baillie & Sons of Kirkport, Ayr, back in 1960.

He moved to Neil Decorators in 1977 – a firm subsequently taken over by William Paton & Sons.

“That’s 49 years in the trade now,” said Allan, who is due to retire next April.

“The Jobcentre says I should now be actively seeking work,” he added.

“Or be prepared to re-train if there’s no jobs for painters.

“I asked what I should re-train as, and they suggested a carer.

“But I told the girl I’d soon be needing a carer myself,” he joked.

Allan keeps himself fit with outdoor pursuits fishing and hill-walking.

And in a working life of 49 years he only missed 17 working days, through illness and minor mishaps.

“Looking back, I suppose this closure has been coming, as work has been tailing off for several years now,” said Allan.

“But it’s still a huge shock when an old established firm goes under and people are made redundant.

“The biggest tragedy about Paton’s is some great tradesmen losing their jobs,” he added.

“I’ve known so many highly skilled professionals – plumbers, brickies, slaters, painters, the lot.”