Sadness as name of long-established business goes

The Mayor of Douglas is expressing regret at the disappearance from the high street of the name of one of the Isle of Man's oldest businesses.

Ritchie McNicholl also believes Keig's, which was established by Thomas Keig around 1880, was the longest established family photographic business in the world.

He says Mr Keig, who was the very first Mayor of Douglas, in 1896, had an interest in astronomy and photography, and took up the latter professionally.

He opened the first Keig's photographic shop on Prospect Hill (listen to audio file below):

Mr McNicholl says checks have been made with Kodak and Fuji, who both said they weren't aware of any older family photographic businesses.

He is also suggesting a blue heritage plaque at an appropriate location would be one way of marking the passing of such a long-running business name.

The Keig's shop in Strand Street has been renamed Photofinish, following the recent merger between the two companies.