Orkney Image Library

the Hepworths shop chain didnt start till the 1880s,I thought that would be the most likely birthday

I think I recognise the man in the forefront of the picture as being Tom Learmonth who lived in Bridge Street Wynd at the back of Leonards booksellers. Tom was a Carrier who carted goods off the Pier and delivered to shops on the Street. He used a huge two wheeled wheelbarrow with a leather harness that looped on to the shafts and over his shoulders. We used to pass his house on the way to school. The man with the flat cap could br Andy(Wingy)Williamson, so called on account of losing an arm. Andy was a friend of my Grandfather,they were co-founders' of the Old Mens' Hut at the West Pier. Added by Phli Brough.

Hepworth's was founded in Leeds in 1864.
It was the original "Next" that we all see on the high street and in shopping centres today.

No arguments required John, I'm reasonably sure that the gentleman in the photo is none other than the late Tom Learmonth of Kirkwall.
Tom was in the haulage business. He plied his trade with horse and cart around Kirkwall and when his trusty steed passed on to the "big stables in the sky", Tom took over using a large two wheeled barrow, complete with shafts and harness.
He lived in Bridge Street Wynd, and stored his equipment in the neighbourhood.
I seem to remember that he was a member of that group of gentlemen called "The Pierhead Parliament" probably in his retirement.

I was the Manager of Hepworths from Late 1975 till July 1979. I remember Jack Clark who was the Manager for many years prior to my spell in Orkney. Claypit Lane in Leeds was the Head Office of Hepworths for many years. Once all shops closed approx late84/early 85 as stated previously, Next took over many shops, great memories for myself during my stay in Orkney