The Old Moray, 29 Shore Street, Macduff, AB44 1TS

Description

The Old Moray operates as a traditional wet-led public house, focusing on the sale of beers, spirits and other drinks, with little reliance on food. The business has been run in a consistent manner servicing a predominantly local customer base with regular repeat trade.

This simple operating model has kept overheads relatively controlled though it also leaves clear opportunity for a new owner to broaden the offer and increase turnover.

Macduff is a coastal town situated on the Moray Firth in Aberdeenshire, directly across the River Deveron from the neighbouring town of Banff. The area has a long standing association with fishing and maritime industries, which continue to support the local economy alongside growing levels of domestic tourism tied to the North East coastline.

In terms of connectivity, Macduff lies approximately 50 miles north of Aberdeen, the region’s principal city providing access to mainline rail services, an international airport and the wider Scottish motorway network.

The town is accessed via the A98 coastal route, linking Fraserburgh to Inverness with further connections to the A947 and A96, ensuring straightforward access across Aberdeenshire and into the Highlands.

The principal trading accommodation is arranged as a single public bar centred around a traditional timber servery which forms the focal point of the room. The space retains a classic pub feel with seating provided throughout, together with a pool table and areas set aside for informal games. The walls are adorned with historical photographs and references to the town’s maritime past, reinforcing a strong sense of place and giving the business an authentic, well established character that resonates with its local clientele.

The trading environment is warm, welcoming and firmly community led, typical of a well regarded local house.

Toilets are located to the rear of the main bar area along with additional storage space and a beer cellar, providing practical support to the day-to-day operation of the business. The pub operates in a straightforward wet-led manner. The current configuration works well for its existing use, while still offering scope for a purchaser to adapt or enhance the layout should they wish to broaden the offer and introduce additional revenue streams.

Trade fixtures, fittings and equipment will be included in the sale, subject to an inventory to be agreed between the parties. Personal items are excluded unless specifically stated.

Externally the property fronts directly onto Shore Street with the harbour located only a short distance away. While there is currently limited use of external trading space there is clear potential to develop a modest seating or standing area, subject to the necessary consents which would enhance visibility and appeal during the summer months.

The proximity to the waterfront is a notable feature and one that remains underutilised in its current form.

The owners' accommodation is located on the upper floors and provides a practical and convenient living arrangement in-keeping with a business of this nature.

The accommodation includes a living area, a kitchen/dining room, utility room, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom on the first floor, and two further bedrooms and another bathroom on the second floor.

While presented in a functional condition, there is scope for a purchaser to upgrade or reconfigure the space to suit personal requirements. Alternatively, the accommodation could be leveraged to generate supplementary income, subject to any required permissions.

There are several avenues through which a purchaser may look to develop the business. The introduction of a limited food offering would represent the most immediate opportunity, particularly given the property’s central location and lack of direct competition in this format.

In addition, there is scope to strengthen the drinks range, introduce events or entertainment and better capitalise on tourist visitation to the area. The harbour-side setting provides a strong foundation for repositioning the business towards a broader customer demographic without losing its established local base.

The accommodation also presents potential for enhancement, either to improve owner living standards or to explore short-term letting opportunities.

The property is offered for sale freehold.

The sale will include the heritable interest in the property together with the benefit of the existing trading operation and associated goodwill, where applicable.

There may be an opportunity to acquire the pub on its own, this would be by way of negotiation.

The Rateable Value as at 1 April 2026 is £4,700. Confirmation of actual rates payable can be obtained from the local Authority.

The subjects benefit from a premises licence permitting the sale of alcohol inline with Scottish Licensing Laws.

Further details will be made available to seriously interested parties during the course of due diligence.