Harburn Hobbies on Leith Walk has been bought by PECO Model Railways, one of Britain’s most respected model railway manufacturers, wholesalers, and publishers.
The business is now based in a shop on Leith Walk which their customers have christened Harburn Halt due to its position on the tramline. Harburn Hobbies has sold model railways and all that goes with them for almost a century.
The sale is a significant move for both companies, ensuring the continued success of a business with a history dating back to the 1930s.
Harburn Hobbies was originally founded in Leith by Mr. Hargreaves and Mr. Burns, whose combined names formed the now-famous retailer, Harburn Hobbies. In the 1950s, Colonel Jimmy Innes purchased the business before it was passed on to the Baird family in 1966. For nearly six decades, the Baird family has upheld Harburn Hobbies’ reputation as a go-to destination for railway modellers in Scotland. Stars such as Jools Holland have shopped there to add to their model railway layouts.
PECO and Harburn Hobbies have had a close partnership since the 1960s. With this change in ownership, Harburn Hobbies will “benefit from the extensive resources and expertise of PECO while maintaining its comprehensive product range and dedication to modellers of all levels”.
The PECO team realised that Bob and Gillian Baird were approaching retirement and wanted to ensure that the well-established retailer did not hit the buffers. PECO’s ongoing commitment to supporting independent retailers aligns with its vision of sustaining and growing the model railway hobby, and this is something it will always endeavour to do.
Importantly, the transition will be seamless for customers. The same friendly and knowledgeable staff will continue to serve enthusiasts at Harburn Hobbies, and Bob and Gillian will remain closely involved in the business during the transition period. The store’s welcoming atmosphere and dedication to excellent customer service will of course remain unchanged.
Chairman of PECO, Michael Pritchard said: “We are delighted to bring Harburn Hobbies into the PECO family. As an institution in the model railway community, it plays a vital role in nurturing the hobby and we are committed to ensuring it continues to flourish for generations to come.”
Bob and Gillian Baird thank their loyal customers and wish PECO every success in the next chapter of Harburn Hobbies’ journey.
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