Shepherd Chartered Surveyors is seeking a buyer for a long-established Forfar gunsmiths business.

WR Hardy Gunsmiths, which is renowned within the shooting community, is being sold due to the imminent retirement of the current owners.

Located in East High Street in the Royal Burgh of Forfar, a thriving agricultural market town which still boasts a vibrant mix of independent retailers, WR Hardy has traded for over 25 years and offers good scope for expansion. With an annual turnover in excess of £300,000, its current retail mix comprises guns and ammunition, along with a wide range of shooting and angling equipment and clothing.

Offers over £125,000 are being invited for the business goodwill and heritable property.


Gavin Russell, commercial surveyor at Shepherd, said: "It is extremely rare for such a specialist and long-established family business to become available on the market. This is a business that has traded for over a quarter of century and is for sale only because it is the owners’ intention to retire and sell it as a going concern.

"WR Hardy has the benefit of a number of trading accounts which are generally only offered on a one-per-territory basis and it is envisaged that these accounts can be transferred to the new owners. The business currently generates extremely healthy levels of turnover and very good annual net profits, and would be an ideal proposition for a shooting and field sports enthusiast seeking a new business challenge."

The shop is contained within a traditional stone-built two-storey terraced building and comprises a double-fronted retail unit over the ground and basement floors.

WR Hardy complies with the requirements set out by Tayside Police and insurance companies for the sale of firearms and ammunition and the business possesses all the necessary firearms licences. Any potential purchaser will require consent from Tayside Police to hold these licences.

(GK/BMcC)