Sanquhar Butchers’ surprised by community on retirement day
The brothers have served the community for over 50 years.
The community of Sanquhar and surrounding areas filled the streets to surprise the Forsyth’s butcher brothers to thank them for their 54 years of service.
Wullie and John took over the business from their dad and granddad who have owned it since 1936.
Residents and customers gathered outside the shop, cheering, and applauding the brothers who have dedicated themselves to not only serving their customers, but also creating life lasting friendships and memories.
Wullie, who has worked full time in the shop for 47 years – his brother 54 -, says the turnout was overwhelming:
“Today has been unbelievable! I have never experienced anything like this. I’ve always been accused of never being lost for words but literally, I have been today. It’s something that I’ll always treasure.”
Our reporter Ruth Ridley watched the crowds say their farewells to the brothers.
One of their loyal customers says: “I’ve been friends with them for 45 years. They’re the nicest guys you’ll meet in your life. This is going to be a big miss to the community.”
Mid and Upper Nithsdale Councillor Jim Dempster also joined in the retirement farewell and personally thanked them both for their hard work, dedication, and friendly smile during every visit over the last few decades.
“It’ll be a very sad miss and it’ll be something you’ll never be able to replace, and probably never be replicated. 50 years they’ve served our community so it’s really important for us to send a message to Wullie and John how much we appreciate the service they’ve given the community.
“The send off was very touching and it’s important we show our appreciation to a family who have spent their whole lifetime serving the local community. I think the number of folks who came along shows how valuable Wullie and John and indeed the local business was to the community.”
Wullie reflects over the years he’s worked here: “Everything has been a great memory. It’s been a great joy and I’ve never regretted one moment of it. It’s been an absolute pleasure serving the community of Upper Nithsdale, Sanquhar, Kirkconnel, everyone! The public have always been supportive of us, very kind, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time here.”
The family were in the crowds, proudly cheering them on. Although they are sad to see the shop go, Wullie’s eldest granddaughter is looking forward to spending more time with him:
“Everyone in the community who’s so happy and fond of my papa by coming and showing their appreciation really means a lot to the family. We’re going to love spending more time with him now that he’s not in the shop but even from a young age, the shop has just been such a happy place and environment and we’re all really going to miss it.”
The pair pay their final respects and thank everyone for their loyalty and friendship over the years:
“Our love and best wishes to everyone in this area. They’ve been a wonderful inspiration to us, wonderful friends to us for many a long year and they’ll continue to be so.”