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Don Leslie’s aiming to move into former TSB bank building

The Lerwick TSB branch, while it was still open. Photo: Jim Mullay/Shetland News

THERE are hopes that the Don Leslie’s shop in Lerwick could move into the former TSB bank building which is lying vacant next door.

DG Leslie owner Ian Cunynghame confirmed to Shetland News that there is now an agreement in place with the Victoria Buildings owner.

He said he could not say anything more definite at this stage given a building warrant application was only recently submitted to the council, while there would also need to be a licence in place for selling alcohol.

“I think it will happen, but I can’t say 100 per cent [at the moment],” Cunynghame said on Sunday.

The TSB bank in Victoria Buildings shut in 2024 but the company’s lease did not expire until earlier this month.

The building has been jointly owned by two London based companies – Joy Centre Properties Ltd and Aralbridge Ltd.

The former TSB bank pictured on 30 December 2025. Photo: Shetland News

Cunynghame said moving the convenience store, which also goes by the name of Ellesmere Stores, to the former bank building would offer more space.

He said the upper floor could be used for storage and staff facilities.

The businessman added that the current Don Leslie’s premises, as well as the former Flints pub on the building’s first and second floors, could go up for sale.

Cunynghame, who also owned the Checkout shop in Scalloway until recently, said there have been some interested parties but there are “no definite sale or offers” yet.

He said he understood a shop has been trading from the current premises since the early 1900s.

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