It will be great to see people again – Gavin McNaughton
Lockdown last year provoked an explosion in online orders at Macplants in Pencaitland, East Lothian, and demand remains high for top-quality plants.
Gavin McNaughton, who runs the family business, says the nursery has experienced the most hectic year in its existence and, at times, he has had to shut the online shop when the number of orders pouring in has become overwhelming.
“We’ve been sending plants everywhere, from Land’s End to John o’ Groats and, at the same time, working with a reduced number of staff to grow enough to keep pace with demand.”
A click-and-collect service has proved popular with local customers and Gavin feels lucky that the nature of the work has allowed Macplants to keep going while other less fortunate businesses have been forced to remain closed during the pandemic.
“Staff have told us how much they have appreciated being able to come to work and chat in a socially distanced way with colleagues.”
The nursery shop reopens tomorrow and, while fewer numbers will be allowed in at any one time, Gavin says they will all be welcome.
“It will be great to see customers in person again.”