A popular butcher shop in Thurso town centre has reopened under new ownership following a major refurbishment.

North Coast Butchers in Swanson Street represents a new venture for Derek Mackay, who already owns the renowned butcher shop in Castletown.

He bought the former W M Mackay & Sons premises two years ago. It had been run by Douglas Mackay and his family for many years but had been empty for about 18 months.

Derek has overseen a transformation of the building both inside and out, with a new layout making maximum use of the available floorspace. There is a high-quality range of beef, lamb and pork as well as other essentials, all showcased in a bright and modern shopping environment where the emphasis is on personal service and catering for customers' needs.

Managed by Gavin Fulton, North Coast Butchers opened on March 16 and is already building up a strong customer base.

Easy meals are proving increasingly popular with shoppers and these form a key part of the range at North Coast Butchers.

The building is on two floors so items such as pies and puddings are made upstairs, well away from the raw meat being prepared in the downstairs area. Also available are sandwich fillers, coleslaw, cooked meats, bakery goods, eggs and fruit and veg.

Derek has seven staff at the Castletown shop and now five in Thurso, although that number could rise.

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“We had over 300 customers over the first two days, so that was good,” Derek said. “I’d like to think it will help other businesses around about as well with us opening. The more shops opening, the better.

“We’re trying to utilise the space we’ve got to make the most of it. Even though it’s an 18th-century building, everything inside it is new. We even came across a fireplace that the previous owner didn’t know was there – it was obviously before his time. So we opened it back up and put a display log-burner in it as a feature.”

Derek took over the Castletown business in March 2008 and moved to the current shop in the village's Main Street in October 2017. Its reputation is such that it attracts regular customers from across the county.

“That’s our second refit now,” he pointed out. “With this one we knew what to expect so it wasn’t so daunting.”

Derek explained that Gavin Fulton has long experience in the butcher trade. "It was him that took me on all those years ago in 2006 and he has been back working with us since the last year or so too, so he knows what to expect and the level of service.

“I am lucky to have a few members of staff who have been with me for quite a few years. You’re just trying to do as much as you can for the customers. Even if it’s the minimum of something, we push the boat out and try to get it for them. We will do our best – that’s what it’s all about.

“I’ll have input but Gavin will have different ideas and will want to try different things. I just think you need to change things and make it exciting for the customer to come in and not see the same things the whole time.”

While social distancing rules remain in place, three customers at a time can be accommodated in North Coast Butchers. “Hopefully once things get back to normal people can queue inside the shop a bit better,” Derek said. “We can get three right along the counter and there’s space at the back too, so they are not crammed.”

Derek is keen to acknowledge the role of his partner Barbara Webster, saying: "She is always at my back listening to me and supporting me, and has contributed ideas and input.”

He also expressed his gratitude to his Castletown staff. “There has been more pressure on them because I’ve had to take off every so often and juggle it all," he said.

"And I would like to thank all the workmen who did a great job in making the shop look as good as it does now."

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