A butcher says his business will survive the pandemic despite losing 60 percent of his trade.
Stewart Duguid of Pollok Williamson Butchers- the provider of the Post’s beloved Butcher Boy competition- have kept their doors open for shoppers to buy their sausages, steaks and cooked meats.
The butchers, which has three shops across Ayrshire and employs 37 staff, say they won’t resort to phone and online only unless the Government enforce such measures.
Owner Stewart said: “At the moment we’re managing to keep our head above water but I don’t know how long that’s going to last.
“Hotels, restaurants and schools have died a death, so we’ve lost at least 60 percent of our trade- which is colossal.
“On the other side, people are still buying.
“Local people are definitely working with us.
“It’s not easy for people- they’re not allowed out and they’re trying to be careful.
“We’re allowing a couple of people in the shop at one time and we’re doing our best.
“Our High Street shop does well. It sits down there in the middle of nowhere, amongst nothing and people are using it.
The butchers are utilising what they have to deliver goods to those in need, including prioritising the elderly and most vulnerable.
The meat merchants have their five vans on the road to ensure their goods are delivered the very next day.
Stewart said: “People will get their orders but it is getting hectic.
“We’re doing out best to keep our staff in position.
“That’s my biggest problem- I want to try and keep them because I’ve been on the go since 1978 and a lot of my staff have been here a long, long time.
“I think we’ll survive it- at least I hope we will.”
• Orders and payment must be placed by phone (High Street: 01292 611528 or Forehill: 01292 611558) and Pollok Williamson ask there is a minimum order value of £20 or a small delivery fee of £2.50 will be required. Deliveries will take place between 9am and 3pm the next day.
