By Neil Trainis

Two independents in Scotland have taken over three LloydsPharmacy branches that were put up for sale as part of the multiple’s UK-wide fire sale of pharmacies.

Richard Graham, who runs Callendar Pharmacy on Falkirk High Street, acquired Lloyds branches in Thornhill Road and Main Street, Camelon, while Stuart Geddes’s purchase of a branch in Main Street, Stenhousemuir, was his first acquisition.

According to the Falkirk Herald, he named it REN Pharmacy after his three children, Ruth, Elliott and Nora.

Graham, who set up the independent pharmacy Callendar Pharmacy in 2010, told the newspaper that he “couldn’t turn the opportunity” down to buy the branches because they were “local and on my doorstep.”

“I must admit that the last week has been pretty frantic. They took their computers out on the Saturday (August 19) and then we had to change over to our signage and get our computers up and running to open on Monday.

“We’ve had a great response from customers in the first few days which is very encouraging and looking forward to giving the local communities the pharmacy service they deserve.”

Geddes, who spent seven years working as a pharmacist in nearby Larbert, said the local community were relieved that he had taken over the LloydsPharmacy branch in Stenhousemuir.

“I know so many people in the area, GPs, their staff, as well as customers. The jungle drums have already been beating and people have being coming in to see me and welcoming me back which is wonderful,” he told the Falkirk Herald.

“This job is not just about dispensing medicine and putting labels on boxes, it’s all about giving people good customer service and going that extra mile for them. That’s something I’ve always believed in and will continue to do.

“My wife also works as a pharmacist in Forth Valley in primary care and she came to this area after I told her how good a place it is to work.”