1906-1909

On The Move

Deeply attached to his beloved Broughty Ferry, James Gillies went solo in 1906, moving to 206 Brook Street to trade as ‘James Gillies Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers and Removal Contractors’. Driven by the store's popularity and the exceptional service provided to every customer, Gillies quickly became a household name. To accommodate this rapid growth, the business moved to larger premises at 186-188 Brook Street in 1909.

1914-1924

Removals on The Rise

Demand for removals had increased during the First World War and during this period removals became one of the mainstays of the company. At the time, a local removal completed by horse and van could be completed for around £2.

1924

Family Business

Additional premises were acquired where James Gillies and his son, James Morris Gillies, who had recently joined the business, started to become a household name for house clearances and autioneering on top of the existing portfolio of business operations. The business name was amended to James Gillies & Son.

1932

Siblings Take The Reins - Second Generation

Following his father’s death in 1932, James Gillies Jr. took control of the business. Driven by a deep love for the family firm, he was both keen and ambitious to expand and improve their offerings. He was soon joined by his sister, Maisie Lornie, who worked alongside him in the growing business.

1956-1962

Third Generation of The Family Firm

In 1956, Miss Sheila Gillies (granddaughter of the founder) attended her first board meeting as a director. The following year, on April 4, 1957, it was officially agreed that Mrs. Sheila Philp would join the board as a director. The third generation of leadership was further strengthened when James Lornie, grandson of the original founder, was appointed as a director on January 1, 1962.

1968-1970

More Sale Spaces Needed

After careful planning, the existing showroom was developed into one of the major home furnishing retailers in the country with a huge extension to the rear of the existing premises, as well as creating additional 1st floor showroom space on top of previously single-story shops.

1976-1980

Fourth Generation 

The company paved the way for its fourth generation of family leadership in April 1976 by sponsoring Ian Robert Gillies Philp (great-grandson of the founder and son of Sheila and Jack Philp) through the remainder of his college education. After attending his first board meeting in May 1978, Ian officially joined the company in 1979 at the age of 22, before being appointed to the Board of Directors in 1980.

The family lineage grew even stronger in April 1980 when his brother, Alistair Philp, joined the company at age 20, quickly stepping up to join the Board of Directors alongside him.

1987

Growing Beyond Broughty Ferry

Gillies purchased 'J.A. & D Cameron House Furnishers' in Perth, before refurbishing and renaming it as 'Camerons of Perth'. This store would go on to have a number of further refits and become Gillies of Perth as it is today! Complete with a coffee shop - The Eatrium.

1995

Centenary Celebration

In 1995, Gillies celebrated 100 years of forward-thinking and affordable excellence - a remarkable centenary milestone. To mark the occasion, the staff dressed in attire matching the fashion of 1895, honoring the Victorian era when James Gillies first started the business. As part of the celebrations, Gillies sponsored new play equipment at the local Castle Green play park and donated a computer to Barnhill Primary School, giving back to the community that supported them for a century.

2003

Ventures Up North

After purchasing an existing petrol station on Holburn Street, Gillies of Aberdeen was constructed as a purpose-built building complete with on-site 'under-store' car park, 2 lifts, 3 floors of home furnishings, including one of the most comprehensive carpet departments in the country.

2004

Perth Becomes A Premier Destination

On January 31, 2002, the firm purchased the Lemon Tree pub, which adjoined the existing Camerons of Perth store that had been acquired in 1987. This purchase enabled the demolition of buildings clearing the way for a brand-new, purpose-built Gillies showroom. Following completion, the stunning new Perth store opened its doors on June 17, 2004. Spanning three storeys of innovative bedroom, living, and dining room furnishings, alongside an extensive carpet department.

2011

Fifth Generation's Time To Shine

Having worked through their childhood and early adult years in various positions around the business gaining valuable experience, the fifth generation of the family, and Great, Great Grandchildren of the founder James Gillies, became directors of the family business. In September 2011, David and Ewan Philp were welcomed to the board of directors, with Chris Philp joining in 2016.

2011

Gillies Goes Green

In December 2011, solar panels were installed on the roofs of the Broughty Ferry store, the warehouse unit, and Carpet King. In an effort to become a greener company and reduce electricity consumption, this sustainable investment was an easy decision. The company continues to be pleased with the significant amount of clean energy generated, which drastically reduces its carbon footprint.

2015

Welcoming Warehouse Space

Gillies expanded its footprint by purchasing land adjacent to its existing site in the West Pitkerro Industrial Estate. This additional space allowed the flooring warehouse to relocate to larger, refurbished premises, increasing stock capacity for carpets, vinyl, rugs, and hard flooring, while adding a secure vehicle compound.

As part of this upgrade, Gillies installed a specialized carpet and underlay compacting baler - a major sustainability milestone that successfully diverts 20 tonnes of flooring waste from landfills annually.

2018

Award Winning

Gillies won ‘Retail Business of the Year in 2017 and subsequently went on to win in two categories in 2018 being ‘Overall Family Business of the Year’ and ‘Dundee Family Business of the Year’. The business is very grateful and proud of these awards and thank all of the staff who helped gain the firm these awards.

2018-2019

Expanding the Broughty Ferry store

November 2019 saw the start of the restructuring of the Gift department, which was planned to house home accessories, cookware, lighting and linen departments all within the new area at the front of the Broughty Ferry Store.

2020

A Massive Milestone - 125 Years of Gillies

In 2020 we achieved a momentous milestone, reaching 125 years of trading as an independent family run business. We are very proud to have helped to furnish homes all over Scotland for over 125 years and continue to be one of Scotland’s premier furnishing retailers responsible for furnishing family homes.

2021

Carbon Neutral Plus

We officially reached Carbon Neutral Plus status in November 2021! We were granted this status by an independent specialist organisation that oversees our carbon offsetting projects. Our green journey doesn’t stop here; we will continue to look for ways to improve our environmental impact and ensure our business is on track for a sustainable future.

2025

A New Chapter in Leadership

After more than 25 years of leadership, Managing Director Ian Philp stepped down from his role, having guided Gillies through a major expansion from two showrooms to five. While handing over daily operations, Ian continues to support the board as a director, maintaining the family's direct link to our 1895 founder. Former Financial Director Tom Rodgers has been appointed as the new Managing Director. A chartered accountant on the board since 2016, Tom brings nearly a decade of internal experience to the role, ensuring a seamless continuation of the service excellence that defines the Gillies legacy.

2026

A Well-Earned Retirement

After almost 46 fantastic years in the furniture trade, our Sales Director, Alistair Philp, officially retired from day-to-day involvement in the business on March 31st.

Known across the industry as a fierce negotiator, Alistair was renowned for never shaking a supplier’s hand until he knew "the price was right" - always ensuring he got the absolute best value for our customers. While he stepped back from the daily hustle, his incredible legacy, sharp business wit, and dedication to the family firm remain a foundational part of the Gillies story.