Community pharmacy on the Isle of Lewis sold to experienced operator
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has completed on the sale of Back Pharmacy, a well performing community pharmacy, situated in the district of Back on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, off the west coast of mainland Scotland.
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Situated on approximately one fifth of an acre, the pharmacy occupies a detached single storey property and maintains well presented retail and dispensary areas.
The Isle of Lewis has two additional pharmacies, a Boots Pharmacy and an independent pharmacy, located in the main town of Stornoway, approximately five miles from Back. Maintaining an integral role in the local community, Back Pharmacy benefits from a strong customer base as the only pharmacy in the area.
The previous owners, Mr & Mrs Hudson relocated to the Isle of Lewis from Gateshead in the North East of England in 2005 and are now selling the pharmacy in order to retire, but they have no plans to leave the island yet. Mrs Hudson comments, “Moving to the Western Isles to purchase Back Pharmacy in 2005 proved to be a major change from our previous life in the North East of England. Providing a valuable pharmaceutical service at the heart of a rural community was achieved by long term commitment and dedication, for which we were rewarded with warmth and gratitude. I am confident David and his team will continue this work and wish them every success.”
New owner, David Dryden is from Glasgow and owns two pharmacies, one of which is in Glasgow and Gairloch Phamacy in the north west of Scotland. Mr Dryden comments, “The Isle of Lewis is a stunning setting, and from our first visit to view Back Pharmacy, we felt very positive about the prospect of getting involved. The previous owner has done a fantastic job and put together a great team. There are challenges involved in running a pharmacy in a remote setting but there are opportunities too, and we are hoping to continue the good work that is already being done and will try to develop and enhance services wherever possible.”
Karl Clezy, Director at Christie & Co handled the sale and comments, “This was a very quick sale considering the pharmacy is located on the Isle of Lewis. However, after placing the pharmacy on the market in May this year, we managed to secure a deal in less than a month by mid-June. Although attracting a number of interested parties, David and his team moved the quickest and made the owners an attractive offer. This is the third pharmacy we have sold on the islands within the last couple of years, having also sold Tobermory Pharmacy and Islay Pharmacy.”
Christie & Co sought offers in excess of £350,000 plus an additional amount for the property for Back Pharmacy.