Falkirk Butchers Shop Celebrates 150th Anniversary this weekend

In 1861, Thomas Johnston, the youngest son of a Slamannan farmer, drove his horse and cart into Falkirk to sell a beast. The visit was life-changing for young Thomas, as the successful sale of the animal at the Steeple sowed the seed of starting his own business.

In November of that year, he moved to Falkirk, and this Friday and Saturday, Thomas Johnston Butchers, is inviting shoppers to join them in celebrating their 150th Anniversary at their premises at 6 – 8 Cow Wynd.

Thomas’s great, great nephews and brothers Richard and Graeme Johnston have arranged for a Scotch Beef Ambassador to be on hand to meet shoppers and give them advice and recipes. As part of the celebrations, there is a special tombola with a selection of prizes.

Richard Johnston commented: “I would hope our great, great uncle would be proud of the business we have continued to build.

“Over the years, we have won awards for the best beef, best pork and best square sausages and we are sure he would have been impressed that we are members of the select Scotch Butchers Club which means we sell Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork.

“The brands have whole-chain assurance, which makes them the meat of choice for many consumers keen to support the six assurance schemes which ensure high standards of production, feed, haulage, auction marts, processing and animal welfare are met.”

Richard continued: “I also believe our great, great uncle would approve of us still buying our beef live but now it’s from the Caledonian Mart in Stirling and not from the back of a cart.”

Thomas Johnston also expanded to have shops in Brightons, Oakley, Abbeyview and Dunfermline in Fife, and also Fergusons of Airdrie.