Legendary Burnley printer Peter Scott passes away after short illness

Peter Scott Printers, which has operated in Burnley for the last 60 years, was founded by Burnley businessman Peter Scott who was well known in the local area. Sadly news has reached us that he passed away on Saturday aged 89, after a short illness. 

Peter founded Peter Scott Printers in 1960 and retired in 1992, before returning for a period in 1998. Using his ‘de-mob' money from military service, Peter set up a printing press in his front living room, moving into a chapel before taking premises at Darnley Street in Burnley. The business then moved to Billington Road after a fire devastated the operation.

Peter Scott Printers celebrated its 55th year in business in 2015 by holding celebrations for staff past and present. More than 30 staff members attended the celebratory meal, hosted by the original founder. Scott, who was presented with a special bottle of whisky by directors, said: "I cannot thank the current team enough for keeping the proud name of Peter Scott Printers flying high."

In 2020, the business moved again to its current location on Heasandford Industrial Estate, a £200,000 move into a £1m factory. Peter's legacy is that Peter Scott Printers is one of the last remaining large lithographic printing firms in Burnley, from a total of 14 in 1998.

Murray Dawson, current owner of Peter Scott Printers commented, "We were still in touch with Peter and always wished him and his family well. Peter was the one who lent me £5,000 in 1991 to set up sister company Scott Dawson Advertising, hence the Scott.

"I have a lot of respect for him, and whilst saddened by his death still have fond memories of his phrase ‘nothing happens till someone sells something!'"

Peter enjoyed retirement, moving to the beautiful coastal town of Banff in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.