Strathallan Pharmacy

About

Serving the local community since 1851

Story

Strathallan Pharmacy was established in 1851, moving to its present site in 1857. As the oldest retail business in Bridge of Allan, it is the only pharmacy in the area to have provided a service from the same premises for over 150 years.

The founder, Gilbert Farie, a Glasgow born man, not only set up the pharmacy in what was a burgeoning spa town, but also, in try Victorian entrepreneurial style, published his own guide book to the area in order to attract more visitors. He also acted as a house letting agent to visitors once they arrived.

Amongst the early patrons of the pharmacy was a young Robert Louis Stevenson, who recalled his conversations with Mr Farie in later writings. It has been said that Mr Farie was the inspiration behind Edward Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde.

Medicine and healthcare in those days lacked the sophistication of today's drugs and therapies. It is no surprise to learn from advertisements of the day that "Finest Swedish leeches" were received fresh every week.

The Pharmacy's prescription books record the history of developing medical and pharmaceutical care from the reign of Queen Victoria, right up to the present day.