Sheena told the Times: "We feel the time is right to enjoy more home time - no big plans for travelling, except short trips away with our two cocker spaniels Alfie and Spot.We also look forward to catching up with friends and family, and attending to our much neglected garden. We are delighted that Jackie and Kevin Mallarkey are buying the business and we wish them all the very best.

The future is exciting for them as they also have a lovely five month old baby girl, Cara."
Jackie has been at the shoe shop since starting as a Saturday girl whilst still at school. Over the years she has helped Sheena to choose the stock - travelling together to shoe fairs in Blackpool, London and Birmingham.

Jackie Mallarkey - who has worked for the Patersons for 19 years - is taking over the business with husband, Kevin.

Other staff members include Jackie's mum, Irene Robertson who has worked at the shop for 18 years, Shona Galbraith who has been there for 16 years and Jackie's cousin, Elizabeth Robertson has worked at the popular footwear shop for seven years.

Behind the scenes, a friend of George and Sheena, Margaret Robertson has been the book keeper for 18 years.
Sheena said: "We have been lucky to have had such a dedicated team of girls working with us and we thank them for their loyalty and hard work. We've had a lot of fun too along the way and have all become good friends."

"We would also like to say a very big thank you to our many loyal customers. We have met a lot of lovely people over the years and made friends in the process."
"The years seem to have flown past; we've gone from fitting 'baby's first shoes' to their school shoes and now their work shoes - little wonder it's time we retired."
"Our biggest 'claim to fame' must be when we sold shoes to singing sensation Annie Lennox."

Loyal customer and Ellon Resident, Fiona Taylor said: "I have shopped here for more than 20 years, since they started up. I have three grown up children and bought all their footwear from Sheena and George when they were younger; from their first shoes to school shoes and dancing shoes."

"It is a good quality shop – always has been and their customer service is great. When my mum was ill with dementia, they were so nice and patient and would even let me take shoes and slippers to the nursing home for my mum to try on."

"I wish Sheena and George all the best in their retirement and also wish Jackie all the best with the take over of the business."
Sheena concluded: "But to all who have gone shopping, on holiday, walked the dog or danced with our shoes we hope you've had happy feet."