Durness family business changes hands after 100 years
A convenience store in north-west Sutherland has been sold after being in the same family for more than 100 years.
The business, Richard Mackay and Son, at Durness, has been run by Robbie Mackay for the last 40 years and is the most north-westerly grocery shop in Britain.
Mr Mackay’s wife, Fiona, said it was both a “sad and exciting time”, and thanked customers for their support over the years.
Selling agent Simon Fraser of the Business Partnership said the store, currently branded under the Spar logo, had been sold to Aberdeen-based Mario Retail, which operates three other convenience stores and a hotel.
The single-storey, detached store sits on its own site next to the main road in the centre of the village. It is positioned at a key junction on the half-way point of the North Coast 500 tourist route.
As one of the very few convenience stores in the isolated area, it offers everything from fresh, organic and locally sourced produce to camping gear, bakery goods and bean-to-cup coffee, all with a strong focus on quality and sustainability.
It also houses a post office - the only one for more than 30 miles and a cash machine.
The year-round business was put on the market last November. Offers in the region of around £645,000 were invited.
The Business Partnership, said at the time that the shop was much more than a convenience store and that it was a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own and operate an exceptional business at the heart of a community in a popular, much visited, iconic location.”
Mr Fraser said this week: “We are delighted to confirm that the business has been sold to experienced operators who have relocated to the local area and are looking forward to becoming part of the community and continuing the proud legacy of the Durness Shop.
“The sale also marks the end of a remarkable 40-year chapter for the current family owners.”
Fiona Mackay said: “It has been in the family for over 100 years, and Robbie has worked in it since leaving school. We even have people coming from Ullapool (67 miles away) to shop. But for us it is changing times.
“We want to thank our loyal customers over the years. It is both a sad and exciting time. The new owners have said they will keep things as much the same as possible. The lovely new owners look forward to people’s continued support.”
