One last bite of the Cherrie

Popular butcher Graham retires, but will be back to lend a hand

GRAHAM CHERRIE has retired after running his butcher's shop in Albert Street for 40 years, but he is only taking a short break for now, and will be back to help out the new owner, Scott Miller, with the Christmas rush in December.

Originally from Loanhead Graham started the business in 1982, after working for ten years for John Campbell & Son. He said: "They were good to me, a great family to work for. I have a lot of happy memories but I felt the urge to move on.

"I had never worked in the city before and then this shop came up. I was in my comfort zone in

Loanhead - and even when we were coming to see the shop I said to my wife Chrissie - 'Oh let's just turn the car about'.

"But she persuaded me to come and listen to what Paul who was selling the business had to say, and the rest is history. I would like to thank everybody who has helped me through the years - I have a long list.

"I was born in Graham Street just round the corner, and that was why my mother named me Graham. I've always found that quite funny. I have lots of happy memories here.

"The best thing about running your own business is only having yourself to answer to, but I would say that you're prone to punish yourself more. The tramworks outside - that hasn't helped, but to be fair I have to thank all the workmen - the plumbers, electricians, joiners and brickies who have always come in for a pie for years. I always had a bit of banter with them.”

Graham said he plans to take up bowling again, to "try and get a bit better" when he has more time to play. He said: "My friends joke that they will start a third side at the bowling club just so that I can get a game.”

Graham who lives with his family in Penicuik said he will be sad to leave the street, but the shop isn't closing. He explained: "It will continue as a butcher's shop and will continue to look after people at Christmas and

New Year.

"After the New Year I'm going to take a back seat but if Scott wants me to come in for a day or a half day to keep my hand in then I would do that. He has been here for about five years now. He's very conscientious, particularly about customer care. I think the customers will be in safe hands."

Nephew, Mark Laidlaw, worked with his uncle Graham for about 18 years. Mark told us about Graham retiring and said:

"He is one of the nicest, genuine gentlemen and has become well