The end of an era beckons as Lol and Mag prepare to hang up their baking gloves

Date published: 23 October 2020


The end of an era is beckoning as hugely popular husband and wife team Margaret and Lawrence Smith prepare to call time on their Abbeyhills Road bakery after more than four decades.

On Saturday, October 31, 'Lol' and 'Mag' as they are affectionately known, will close their bakery's doors after 43 successful years.

Now in their early 70s, Margaret and Lawrence have taken the decision to retire after all those years of serving bread, pies and cakes.

They have served the local community through thick and thin and have seen the children of the Alt estate grow, become adults themselves, and now their children’s children know Margaret and Lawrence.

They’ve served their freshly-made products through the harshest of winters, through recessions, and always supported the local community with pride. 

Margaret and Lawrence's retirement plans have not quite been finalised due to the pandemic, but the pair have vowed to relax first after working long hours for so long.

They also plan to travel, spend more quality time with grandson Samuel, while Lawrence hopes to enjoy more fishing and shooting.

Margaret is determined to enjoy more lunch dates with her sisters.


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