Inverness joke shop legend Nancy Rattray immortalised in new plaques at Victorian Market
A true legend of Inverness who brought joy and happiness to generations of people has been immortalised in the same Victorian Market that she was an integral part of for many decades.
Nancy Rattray and her iconic joke shop were a landmark fixture of the Inverness street scene for the best part of almost six decades - winning legions of fans, both young and old, and becoming such a fixture of the city that her store was even immortalised in print when famed American travel writer Bill Bryson mentioned it in his book, Notes from a Small Island.
Despite her legendary status and being widely beloved, Nancy remained humble to the last, once describing herself as “just a shop girl” when talk began circulating that she be given the freedom of the city in recognition of what she had meant to so many people.
She sadly passed away, aged 83, in December last year, just four years after retiring and leaving her shop for the last time ahead of the market’s food hall transformation.
But her legacy will live on after the city paid a moving tribute this week - erecting a permanent memorial plaque in the Victorian Market as well as a star on the very spot inside the market where her shop once stood and she would sit outside greeting passers-by as they went.
Local dignitaries and Nancy’s cousin Bob Rattray were among those on site for the dedication ceremony and unveiling of the plaque, which has been erected on the wall next to the Bad Girl Bakery.
It reads: “Nancy Rattray, Joke shop legend who provided joy and laughter to generations at her stall 1966 to 2020 was so unassuming yet so influential and respected by all, Nancy’s warmth and understanding will live on in our hearts forever leaving an indelible mark on the Victorian Market.”
Her cousin Bob was delighted to see Nancy recognised. He said: “I'm very pleased with it, she'd be pleased herself - embarrassed but pleased.”
He was also pleased to see the second plaque installed on the floor of the food court where Nancy’s store once stood, and he recounted memories of her being sat outside the joke shop greeting people as the passed by despite how much colder it was for her to do so than sit within it.
“That's where her chair was sat outside the door. [It was] freezing cold most of the day, that was a right cold spot - she could sit inside the shop but she liked to sit outside,” he said.
Inverness’s Provost, Councillor Glynnis Campbell Sinclair, gave a moving speech to mark the unveiling of the wall plaque in Nancy’s memory.
Addressing those gathered for the occasion, she recounted bringing her own children to the shop as kids, and the happy memories they had made there.
She added: “Nancy was one of those rare individuals that achieved great status in her local community. She was incredibly modest but had a gift to bring joy happiness and well-being to so many people.
“I hope that Nancy will be proud of what we have achieved here in the Market as we honour her enduring service for over 60 years at the spot where she had her shop and recognise her commitment to the Inverness community.
“We thank you, Nancy, with these small tributes, your memory will live on in our hearts.”
The star installed on the site of Nancy’s shop reads “Nancy’s Place 1964-2020”. Although she didn’t take over the running of the joke shop from her father until 1966, she worked for him on the site from 1964.
