Celebrating 50 Years of Sterling

Over 50 years ago, George Knowles Senior saw the growing popularity of out of town retail developments were offering in America back in 1973. He converted an old mill in Tillicoultry, Central Scotland, into the largest and most diverse furniture and homewares showroom in Scotland. This first store was ahead of its time and has since become a truly unique and pioneering retail experience. The store building itself has developed and grown, and now our flagship store offers the most individual and unique home shopping experience, with something for everyone. 

Did you know… George Knowles saw "Sterling Airlines" multiple times while on a trip, which inspired the name for the business. 

Built originally as Devonvale Mill in 1840, the building has untaken various forms. From barracks in WW1to a hall for the community, it’s a notable local gem. At first, Sterling had just one showroom – our current Hall 1. Expansive development included stairs to further floors and more showrooms, as well as a restaurant. In 1982, Sterling opened their Garden Centre, adding to the expanding complex. More recently, in our Tillicoultry store, we sit with an extensive amount of showrooms, our current Garden Centre, our Homestore, the Mill Cafe. Additionally, there are 5 other stores across Scotland (Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Glasgow & Uddingston), as well as our Clearance Centre in Dundee and our Distribution Centre based in Auchtermuchty. What a journey we’ve been on… 

The in-store teams, as well as those in our Head Office, are at the heart of what we do. For the past 50 years, we strive to employ a knowledgeable and friendly team to inspire and guide you with your vision in mind.  

Furniture trends have evolved significantly over the decades, from the rise of pine furniture in the 80s to today's sleek, contemporary styles. Since the 70s, Sterling Home has been at the forefront of these changes, offering high-quality, trend-led furniture for every taste. With our huge range, there's something for everyone—whether you’re inspired by classic designs or the latest trends, we’re here to help you create a home you love. 

A new transformation; the same high-quality. Sterling Home continues to be the home of inspiration, offering timeless furniture and homewares that incorporate style, comfort, and durability. Our carefully curated collections ensure every piece will stand the test of time. We remain committed to providing our customers with long-lasting, beautifully crafted products that bring both appeal and functionality to every space.