The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Popular butcher sells up but the name will live on
LONG-ESTABLISHED ARBROATH butchers CG Fleming and Sons has been sold.
The business, which has been run by the Fleming family for almost 90 years, is renowned for its quality produce, chief among them its steak and gravy pies.
New owners Guthrie Batchelor and father Mark Batchelor, who come from a long line of Angus and Dundee farmers, said the Fleming name and the quality of service and produce it guaranteed will remain.
Guthrie, 23, was also delighted to confirm that all 23 of Fleming’s existing staff are being retained.
He said: “The name Fleming is associated with quality produce and, while retaining the name, we want to assure customers that we will maintain the same standards going forward.
“I have already seen and been impressed by the depth of experience that there is among the staff here. That won’t change.”
Charles G Fleming established the business in Millgate Loan and quickly gained a reputation as one of Scotland’s finest butchers, using quality local produce.
The small Millgate Loan property was replaced by purpose-built premises in 1939 and another outlet was established at Ponderlaw in the 1950s.
The shop at Ponderlaw is still a firm fixture in the local community, but these days main operations are run from the West Port shop and manufacturing department, as they have been since the late 1960s.
The butcher’s delivery vans are despatched all overTayside and even further afield at this time of year, as seasonal demand for their steak pies peaks.
Guthrie Batchelor graduated
from Edinburgh University with a degree in economics, before working in the remote lands of Western Australia on a gas plant construction project.
The Batchelor family has farmed cattle in the Angus and Dundee areas for six generations and has also farmed pigs since the 1990s.
They have farms at The Hatton, Carnoustie, and Kinnell Mill, Friockheim, and have long supplied Fleming’s with pork and beef for their produce.
That food chain will continue to serve the business well.
As director of operations, Guthrie will also draw on his father Ma r k ’s experience and expertise.
He said: “I have grown up enjoying the famous Fleming’s steak and gravy pie.
When this opportunity arose, I made the decision with my head, my heart and my stomach too.”
Director Greg Fleming, who has been at the helm of the business for the past 40 years, will work with Guthrie into the new year to assist the transition.
He said: “The time was right for us to hand on what is a very successful business and I am delighted that it has gone to another local family with deep roots in this area.
“There will be continuity and quality through the staff, some of whom have been here 35 years, and Guthrie has six generations of farmers behind him with knowledge of the trade.
“I am proud of the quality and service that we have always provided at Fleming’s and I am pleased that will continue with Guthrie.”