Castletown Butchers – October 2017

In 2006 Derek Mackay started working for Gavin Fulton at Castletown Butchers. Then two and a half years later the opportunity arose for Derek to take over the lease. As one of only two shops in the village there was a positive response to the new boss.

Derek expanded the grocery lines four-fold and offered essentials like milk and rolls. His display counter stretched for the entire depth of the shop and it was neatly filled with the most attractive looking meat and stimulating meat products.

Ten years after taking on the rented property Derek purchased the former Co-operative building along the road and began renovating it in January this year.

Workmen ripped everything out from floors to walls. The building had not been used as a shop since the 1980s and having lain empty for a period there was a need to address dampness problems. It needed a new shop floor, new doors and windows. The windows had been boarded up so it needed 11 new windows and 4 new doors.

Then there was a new roof in back shops including removal of asbestos from roof. This area now has a dual department fridge freezer in it. The back shops were reharled and new electrics, new plumbing, all new insulation, plasterboard, suspended ceiling and wet-walled throughout. Anti-slip flooring completed that job.

The front shop was tastefully finished with a Caithness stone floor which really stands out. The look is new and modern, and the six metres of serve-over counters, 5.5metres of multideck, shelving and stands create a stunning look.

The shop boasts two back shop sections with a walk in chiller and freezer. There is a kitchen area where pies and cooked meats are prepared.

Derek says “it has been some journey and a lot of expense but I am very proud of how all involved have managed to get this 18th century building into a new and modern shop and adds:-

“The feedback from the customers has been great! They are happy we managed to get this old place open and gives the Main Street a real lift.”

Castletown Butchers
Main Street
Castletown
KW14 8TP
Tel: 01847 821561