9:48 pm, September 25, 2016
ONE of Scotland’s oldest car dealerships James Haugh (Castle Douglas) Ltd has gone into liquidation and is seeking a buyer.
The independent garage, based in Castle Douglas, announced last week that it would be going into liquidation. The business has ceased trading with immediate effect and 11 employees have lost their jobs.
Its main business was both new and used Vauxhalls, but it also sold a wide range of other used vehicles. It offered servicing, fleet contract work, mobility servicing, repairs and MOTs too.
Managing director Jim Haugh told The Daily Record: ‘It’s just a sad day. We took the decision as I didn’t want to be in a position at the end of a month where I had to say to the staff that I couldn’t pay them.
‘We felt it was the best option and at least this way the staff will get a redundancy payment.’
Founded in 1890 to hire out horse-drawn carriages, in 1909 the company was one of the first to offer a petrol driven car for public hire. Six generations of the family have since managed the business, which has been an approved Vauxhall Service Centre since 1962 and had a turnover of around £1mil.
Blair Milne
Provisional liquidator Blair Milne, restructuring partner with accountants Campbell Dallas, is looking to sell the business and assets. He is urging the motoring trade, entrepreneurs or property developers to make contact as soon as possible.
‘James Haugh (Castle Douglas) Ltd is a prominent and much-valued car dealership and service centre that has served the South of Scotland for well over a century. Unfortunately, in recent years the rise of internet sales has seriously affected trade and margins, and the business was not sustainable,’ explained Milne.
‘We are marketing the business and extensive assets for sale with immediate effect, with the hope that if a deal can be secured swiftly, a buyer has the opportunity to start trading again. The business had a very wide and loyal customer base, so the liquidation offers a good opportunity for a motor trade business or entrepreneur wanting to enter this market.’
He added: ‘We are compiling the list of assets, which includes the garage on King Street, offices, a large yard and moveable assets including motor vehicles, ramps, diagnostic equipment and tooling. Alternatively, the site could also offer considerable potential for property development, possibly residential.’
Interested parties should contact Campbell Dallas in Glasgow on 0141 886 6644.
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