An independent pharmacy in Scotland has been sold for the first time in more than 35 years having been put on the market at the same time as LloydsPharmacy ’s entire Scottish estate of some 200 branches, according to a leading broker.

Karl Clezy, director-pharmacy at Christie & Co who handled the sale of Macbon Chemist, said the pharmacy generated interest from contractors and first-time buyers even though the market had been “flooded with opportunities” following the availability of LloydsPharmacy branches throughout the country.

Clezy said Macbon Chemist's sale showed “there remains an appetite for well-performing independently owned pharmacies that have the potential to grow.” The business was bought by Ron Badger, who owns a pharmacy in the Drumchapel area of Glasgow.

Macbon Chemist was run by owner Elizabeth Mclaughlin and her team of employed and locum pharmacists. She had owned the pharmacy since 1987 but sold it for an undisclosed price having decided to retire. Christie & Co said it dispenses about 8,000 NHS items a month and is located “in the heart” of the Tollcross area in the east end of Glasgow.

“I have aspired over the years to make the pharmacy friendly and welcoming to our local community,” Mclaughlin said.

“My team and I have built up a great and trusted relationship with our clients. It was with great sadness that I decided that the time had come to sell the business but feel reassured that it has been left in good hands with Ron.”