Canalside
Fort Augustus PH32 4AU
MacDougall Butchers and Takeaway · Property To Rent

DESCRIPTION MacDougall butchers has been established as a butchery business since 1884, trading for the last 50 years from the canal side location and under the ownership of the current proprietors for the last nine years. Trading mainly as a butchers serving the local community and many hospitality businesses in the area, the butchery side of the business enjoys no real competition other than from the supermarket and has a loyal customer base. A high percentage of all the tourists who visit the area are drawn to the Canal and MacDougall Butchers is ideally placed to take advantage of this. As a result the business has evolved over the last couple of years in response to the many tourists, now offering a food takeaway service which includes hot filled rolls, hot pies, hot drinks and a range of freshly made sandwiches. This has proven to be highly popular and the current owners feel this is an area which could be further expanded. The property extends to around 130m2 plus external parking for deliveries and customer collection. The building is maintained to a high standard meeting all the environmental health requirements. Within the property there is capacity to expand the business operation to offer a larger retail service as there are generous service areas to the rear of the building. BUSINESS OPERATION MacDougall Butchers and Takeaway enjoys a loyal customer base and no real completion other than from a local supermarket. The location is heavily populated with tourists year-round, especially in self-catering accommodation which provides a high proportion of the turnover especially in the Summer months. Under the current operating regime the business generates a turnover in excess of £200,000 (2016) resulting in excellent adjusted net profit figures. The business operates with a husband and wife team, a full-time butcher and a part-time assistant. This level of operation could genuinely expand where new operators were willing to change the current trading model. The vendor will be pleased to offer a level of support for new owners to ensure that the business transfer is smooth and customers maintain the same level of service provision. TRADING HOURS During the summer MacDougall Butchers operates six days a week, 8am-5pm, closing on Sunday’s. In the quieter winter months, the current owners have restricted trade choosing only to deal with wholesale and telephone orders. LOCATION Fort Augustus is a historic and popular tourist destination enjoying a strong trading location in the Great Glen on the arterial A82, situated between Fort William and Inverness, on the shores of Loch Ness. Although the town only boasts a modest population of around 600 people it attracts a huge number of tourists annually and this busy tourist destination offers a wide range of activities. Popular attractions include trips on Loch Ness, or perhaps a trip to the nearby Urquhart Castle. This is an ideal base for touring or relaxing and for keen walkers and cyclists there are many routes around Fort Augustus, the most popular being the Great Glen Way which passes through the village. Fort Augustus offers a good range of accommodation providers, restaurants and bars. There are also a high number of day trippers and tourers who frequent this location as part of their itinerary. In such an enviable setting, with good schools, shops, social and leisure facilities, the sale of MacDougall Butchers offers an excellent all-round lifestyle opportunity. REASON FOR SALE The current owner purchased the business in 2008 and it their desire to concentrate on other business interests in the area that brings this leasehold opportunity to the market. PROPERTY Of standard construction under a tiled roof, the property is located on the banks of the canal. Entry to the retail area is from the canal side and there are separate doors to the rear for ease of delivery. There is a spacious preparation area to the rear as well as a large walk in chiller, office and staff areas. Floors are fully tiled. GROUNDS The area around the building is set to tarmac parking. OWNERS ACCOMMODATION There is no owner’s accommodation on the site. SERVICES The property benefits from mains electricity, water and drainage; there is no gas on site and all appliances are powered by electricity. The property utilises electric heaters. THE LEASE The current owners will be the landlords and are offering a 10 year fully repairing and insuring lease. Rent will be £20,000 per annum. The full details of the lease will be made available to any seriously interested party.