Newsletter

MARKET UPDATE
After a turbulent 2009 Bruce & Co are delighted to see the arrival of 2010. With tell tale signs in the last quarter of 2009, we are very confident this year will prove far more consistent for successful sales and business instructions. Recently viewing appointments have risen by 39.6% and our register of buyers looking for quality businesses increased by 47.5% on a monthly basis.

We would be delighted to hear from you if you have any specific requirements when searching for your ideal business. Equally, if you are a business owner and you wish to discuss the possible sale, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 0131 477 6060 or sales@bruceandco.co.uk. Your enquiry will be treated confidentially and a valuer with expertise in your field of business will discuss our bespoke marketing methods both on the open market and on a discreet basis.

This month we are delighted to announce just some of the instructions which have come to the marketplace.

The first is the Criffel Inn - The small village of New Abbey is situated approximately 7 miles south of the main town of Dumfries. The village has great charm and character with its location and history reflected in the names of the two inviting hostelries towards the west end of the village, the Criffel Inn looks across the main road to the Abbey Arms Hotel. Nearby is the village shop and post office, while overlooking a nearby corner is the village's second major visitor attraction after Sweetheart Abbey, the New Abbey Cornmill. The National Museum of Costume is also situated in the village. This area of Scotland is a particularly popular destination for golfers as it offers several top class golf courses including the only championship course in South West Scotland – Southerness Golf Club. The area is also a popular destination with mountain bikers who visit to test their skills on the 7 Stanes Mountain Trails, which span from the heart of Dumfries & Galloway to the Scottish Borders, and for bird watching enthusiasts there is a hive of wildlife at the Merse Head Nature Reserve, which is a mere 10 minute drive along the coast.

The town of Dumfries has a population in excess of 40,000 people and is situated in South West Scotland. Dumfries is the largest town in the area and is therefore a major commercial centre for the region. The town has excellent facilities including good schooling, large teaching hospital and three 18 hole golf courses. The area is known for its mild climate and is just an hour and a half's drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh and approximately 40 minutes drive from Carlisle.

The business has been run successfully by the current proprietors who have focused on building food and wet sales. An approximate split consists of around 52% wet sales, 34% food sales and the rest in accommodation. There is obvious scope for new owners to continue in this format but with the potential to increase food and accommodation even further. Food at the moment is served in the restaurant between lunch and evening times, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A light bar menu could also be created for evenings and at the beginning of the week. It should be noted however, the business is successful in this format. It is run by 2 owners with the assistance of 1 full time barmaid and casual part time members of staff. The business is centrally located and has excellent local support but, with many tourists and visitors drawn to the area, it also enjoys an extra level of custom.

 

OUTSTANDING GUEST HOUSE OPPORTUNITY
Skye Picture House - With direct access onto the shore of Loch na Cairidh and surrounded by magnificent scenery the subjects for sale are also conveniently located close to excellent services and shops. Ard Dorch is a small village some 7 miles north of Broadford the nearest main village. Broadford has excellent local services including a supermarket, 24 hour petrol station and shop, primary school, hotels, restaurants and a modern medical centre and cottage hospital. The capital town of the Island, Portree is some 19 miles further north and offers enhanced facilities including a secondary school. This convenient location also allows for easy access off the island via the Skye Bridge which is 10 miles to the south.

Having gained a 3 star award from ‘Visit Scotland’ the main house offers very comfortable and immaculate guest house accommodation. The house complies fully with the fire regulations, and all relevant permissions and consents for the business use have been obtained. The present owners also have a restricted hotel licence for alcohol service. With double glazing and an electric heating system throughout, the accommodation within comprises entrance hall, owners sitting room, rear hall, owners double bedroom, office, bathroom, kitchen, utility/laundry room and spacious guests sitting/dining room on the ground floor. The upper floor landing area provides access off to 5 Bedrooms (4 with en-suite facilities), a boxroom/store room and a cloakroom.

Sea Drift - Also having a 3 star (self catering) grading from ‘Visit Scotland’ Sea Drift adjoins the main house although is completely separate. The accommodation within comprises spacious entrance vestibule, open plan sitting/dining/kitchen, single bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor. The upper floor has 2 further bedrooms (one with en-suite facilities). The ground floor accommodation is very suitable for guests with mobility difficulties.

This is a retirement sale, the present owners, a couple, have run the businesses for 13 years without the need for additional staff. The subjects are being sold as a ‘going concern’ complete with all fittings, fixtures and furnishings pertaining to the business including the web site domain name www.skyepicturehouse.com and on-going bookings. It is an opportunity to simply move in and start earning without any delay.

THREE KINGS INN, CULLEN
Cullen is an historic and attractive town situated on the Moray Coast on the A98 approximately midway between Aberdeen and Inverness. This area has attracted visitors for generations as there is much to see and do within a short travelling distance. Cullen itself has a wonderful expansive beach and an excellent 18 hole golf course (16 other courses within a 30 mile radius). The sports minded are spoilt for choice with shooting, stalking, fishing and water sports all available nearby, as are many exhilarating walks. Other attractions in the area include a Cashmere centre, Baxter’s of Strathspey Visitors Centre and the wonderful Malt Whisky Trail.

The Three Kings Inn has been run by the current proprietors since August 2007 and has been placed on the market due to their impending retirement from the trade. During their time in charge, the business has been enhanced with the turnover continually growing. Trade is a mixture of regular local clientele and visitors to the area, especially in the spring and summer months when thousands of people flock to this popular area of Northern Scotland. Sales can be enhanced even further and this could easily be achieved by professional marketing through VisitScotland or creating a website for the business and also expanding the food operation. The restaurant could easily be extended as there is more than enough space in the beer garden to construct a conservatory style extension. Please note this will be subject to satisfactory planning consent. During the winter months, the business is closed on a Monday and Tuesday and in the summer months closed on Mondays only. The business is run by 2 owners with the assistance of 1 part time member of staff and approximately 5 casual members of staff when required.

If you would like to discuss the above opportunities or any other business on our website then please do not hesitate to contact us.