Fourth Generation Butcher Shop, Elgin

Advert ref 1262SAF

JC Dawson Butchers is a highly regarded, fourth-generation family butchers located on Batchen Street in the heart of Elgin. Established in 1889 and trading from the same premises since 1932, the business is one of the longest-standing retailers in the town, combining heritage with modern award-winning products.

The sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire both the heritable (freehold) property and the well-established business. Offered for sale due to retirement, it includes fixtures, fittings, and a capable team in place, with a handover period available to ensure continuity.

JC Dawson Butchers has been serving the people of Elgin and Moray for over 135 years, building a strong reputation for quality, service and consistency. The business is run by Michael Dawson, the fourth generation of his family to take the helm, with his wife Rita handling the bookkeeping.

The business is predominantly retail (c.90%), with additional supply to a handful of local restaurants. It is especially well-known for its award-winning burgers, steak burgers, sausages and pies, with multiple Diamond and industry awards to its name.

The business benefits from an experienced and capable team of five staff, who are well-established, competent, and committed to the ongoing success of the shop. Seasonal peaks, particularly at Christmas and New Year, provide a boost to an already strong year-round trade.

This is a rare opportunity to take over a truly established business with heritage, awards, and a loyal customer base, alongside outright ownership of the freehold property.

Batchen Street is one of Elgin’s most characterful streets, just off the High Street, and is home to a number of independent shops and specialist retailers. The property sits within the Elgin High Street Conservation Area, benefitting from heritage character and a steady flow of local and visitor footfall.

Elgin is the administrative and commercial centre of Moray with a population of approximately 25,000, and a wider catchment across the surrounding area. The town is well connected, located on the A96 trunk roadbetween Inverness (31 miles) and Aberdeen (56 miles), with regular rail services and good public transport links.

With an excellent reputation, a stable and skilled team, and a strong retail-led business, JC Dawson Butchers is ideally placed for a new owner to continue its success. There is also scope to expand into online sales, deliveries, or wholesale supply to further develop turnover.

This is a genuine retirement sale and the vendor is committed to providing a supportive handover period to ensure a smooth transition.

Key Features

Premises Details

The subjects comprise a ground floor retail unit within a two-storey mid-terraced building, with single-storey rear additions. The upper floor forms a separate residential flat (not included in the sale).

• Accommodation: Open-plan sales area to the front with office and preparation rooms to the rear. Layout is well-suited to the existing trade and could be adapted further.
• Construction: Traditional masonry walls under a pitched, slate-clad roof, with rendered block/brick additions to the rear. Timber shop frontage with recessed entrance door.
• Floor Area: Net Internal Area approx. 117 sq m (1,259 sq ft).
• Services: Mains water, electricity, and gas; drainage to public sewer. Gas boiler providing hot water. No fixed heating.
• Condition: Generally fair and consistent with age. All equipment is reported to be in good working order.
• Tenure: Heritable (freehold) interest.

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