City stonemasons carve out expansion

Aug 28 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S a business expansion set in stone.

And a half million pound investment by one of Scotland’s longest established stonemasons brings a welcome boost.

Jason and Margie McDonald, owners of P Liptons in Glasgow, have launched McDonald Memorials near Symington.

Jason, 59, explained how the decision to move into Ayrshire came about.

He said: “It was actually a customer came to us in our Glasgow premises saying he had been waiting a year for a memorial stone. He asked how long we would take and when we told him it would take four weeks he said we should be in Ayrshire.

“We thought it was a great idea but needed premises. A few weeks later, that customer phoned us and said a property was available in his road – and the rest is history.

“That customer is now a firm family friend.”

The investment will include an extensive warehouse, stocking granite and other stones imported from throughout the world as well as from Scottish and British quarries, a custom designed showroomand a state-of-the-art workshop.

With the warehouse and showroom now in operation and the finishing touches being put to the workshop, the expansion has already created three full time jobs, with up to ten posts planned for the business at Bogend Toll.

Jason said: “By opening in Ayrshire we aim to combine the extensive experience, skills and expertise of Liptons with the latest in stone cutting and polishing technology, and the comfort and convenience of a custom-built indoor showroom set in beautiful, peaceful surroundings.”

McDonald Memorials is located at Syke Farm, Bogend Toll, along the road from Hayes Garden Land, near Symington.

For more information phone 01563 831191.