A POPULAR Greenock cobbler and musician has combined both passions to fulfil a long-time ambition.

Sami Cushnaghan, frontman of the chart-topping Luci Baines Band, has launched his own business in the Oak Mall after bringing the curtain down on 35-year association with UK shoe and watch repair chain Timpsons.

The 51-year-old had long aspired to go it alone and finally took the plunge when he opened Lock n Sole a fortnight ago.

There was no better location for the music fan than the former Rhythmic record shop in the Mall - a place where he spent many a day browsing the shelves for records, CDs and buying gig tickets until it closed in 2012.

Sami told the Tele: "I always wanted my own workshop and somewhere where I can progress into other stuff.

"I do key cutting, engraving and watch and shoe repairs - everything I did in Timpsons - but I've done furniture restoration in the past so there's the opportunity to go into that and other things.

"I had many happy years in Timpsons and loved the customers and folk I worked with but it was time for a change.

"The fact that it's in the old Rhythmic shop is very poignant.

"I spent many a day sifting through records and buying t-shirts in here. "The unit had been lying empty for long enough and I said, 'I wish I could take it on', because it would be a great connection.

"I had the name 'Lock n Sole' in my mind because of my music background and the Rhythmic link.

"I've always wanted to do this but never had the bottle before. "Circumstances came about and I thought I would have a go."

Sami is originally from the east end of Greenock and now lives in Gourock.

He is married to Monica and they have two children, Alex, 13, and nine-year-old Sam.

Monica said: "It's amazing he's doing something for himself. "He was involved with Timpsons for about 35 years, initially as a trainee. "This is just something he's always wanted to do."

The shop opened on January 31 and Sami did all the plastering, decorating and also laid the carpet himself.

He is planning to hang records, photos and other music memorabilia at a later date in a nod to Rhythmic.

Sami said: "My friends and family have been a great help.

"What I do in here isn't something you can go online for or do on a whim.

"It's a service - and I'm a great believer of keeping shops and services in the town."