Glasgow pharmacist turns historic building into a modern-day pharmacy

Raymond’s Lomond Pharmacyalso expands services to provide healthcare for the local aging population

Raymond Kelly, an award-winning pharmacist from Glasgow, has restored the historic Liquorstane Building in Falkland and turned it into a modern-day pharmacy serving rural communities, using a £750,000 refinance loan from Unity Trust Bank.

The once derelict 19th century building in Fife now has Raymond’s Lomond Pharmacy on the ground floor while the top floor has been revamped as holiday let apartments.

Raymond, who was named Scottish Pharmacist of the Year as a manager at Rowlands Group before opening his own pharmacies in Falkland, Kinglassie and Charlston, also used part of the funding to expand healthcare provision for a local aging population.

He runs the pharmacy alongside business partner Audrey McAnaw, three dispensers and two drivers, delivering much-needed frontline services for surrounding villages as well as tourists coming to the picturesque area, where ‘Outlander’ movie was filmed.

Services offered here ranges from flu vaccinations to ear wax removal, and they also provide treatment for ailments common in the area such as insect bites.

(L-R) Scott Hutchinson, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank and Raymond Kelly, Owner of Lomond Pharmacy

Raymond said: “My original Falkland premises was in converted stables but because of planning restrictions I couldn’t expand to provide the services the area needs.

“Falkland has 1,100 residents – many of whom are over 75 – plus there are dozens of near-by farms and hamlets so demand for pharmacy services is high. We were particularly busy during the pandemic and didn’t have a day off in two years.

“We needed bigger premises and Liquorstane Building had been vacant for years. It has an interesting history - being a former temperance hotel and masonic lodge - and my vision was to create a pharmacy on the ground floor with a larger dispensary area and consulting rooms, and create holiday let apartments on the top floor as we get tourists from all over the world, especially as Outlander was filmed here.

“We could have flattened the building and rebuilt with breeze blocks, but that felt like vandalism. We’ve restored it very carefully and residents really appreciate that.”

He thanked Unity and his Relationship Manager Scott Hutchinson for their support in restoring the building and expansion of his pharmacy.

Scott Hutchinson, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “As an ethical bank, we only lend to organisations that make a positive difference in local communities and we’re delighted to support the relocation and expansion of Lomond Pharmacy.

“Many rural communities in north east Fife are benefitting from the additional services Raymond is providing and the historic character of a much-loved building has also been preserved.”

Raymond, who graduated from Glasgow School of Art before deciding to pursue a career in pharmacy, is set to qualify as an independent prescriber in the spring, after he will be able to expand his services further.

He is also planning to install a new public defibrillator outside Lomond Pharmacy as the one he gifted the village at his previous premises has been called into use several times.