Whiteness butcher takes on the Globe

A new butcher’s shop is poised to appear in Lerwick, in the same premises once occupied by the Globe, which closed its doors last year.

Anderson Butchers – formerly J&K Anderson – have taken over the Commercial Road shop and are busily preparing for an opening early next month. The Globe name, however, will not be resurrected.

Director Ian Anderson, who runs the Whiteness company with his wife Rhona, said he found the opportunity of expanding into Lerwick difficult to resist.

“Once the Globe closed there was an opening there to expand into the town. I got a phonecall from the owner [Keith Moffat] to see if I was interested. We had a get-together, and we did a deal.

“It was an opportunity that came along at the right time. It allows us to expand and do something a bit different.

“We are hoping to get it open on 5th March.”

The company is taking on extra workers, too. Staff numbers are going from 14 up to 25 between the Whiteness and Lerwick sites.

The news could come as a welcome addition to the town, which is currently served by only two butchers – JK Mainland in the street, and Scalloway Meat Company, which last year took premises in the Toll Clock Shopping Centre.

“I think there is plenty of scope for us all,” said Mr Anderson.

In its day the Globe proved popular with a good number of customers. Mr Anderson hopes many of those will be coming back now.

“I think there are plenty of folk looking forward to us getting it open again.”

Competition from Tesco has also played a part in the decision. Mr Anderson highlighted the threat posed to country shops by the supermarket giant’s decision to operate a home delivery service.

“A lot of what we do from Whiteness is supplying all the country shops. If the Tesco thing started to affect the country shops, then it really could affect a lot of our trade.”

Ahead of the opening has been some work in the new premises, with one area being prepared for a line in pie production. That could be a lucrative move – Mr Anderson believes the firm is currently shifting up to 1,500 pies a week.

He said much of the focus would be on providing local produce, through a family arrangement with producers GB & AM Anderson.

“We’re trying to use a lot more local beef and lamb.”

Aside from the business of selling meat, the deal also sees the business take on flats above the butcher shop, which are currently being refurbished for the lucrative rental market.

“It’s two businesses going to be run out of the one building, with the rental upstairs and the shop downstairs,” Mr Anderson said.