Key Features
Historic 1875 stone built property with a flexible mixed use layout
Prime High Street position benefiting from strong footfall
Ground floor retail space of approx. 185m²
Two well rental flats, providing reliable income and an attractive ROI
136m² of first floor space with excellent redevelopment potential (subject to planning)
Rear customer car park with fenced enclosures offering additional outdoor space
Established, profitable hardware and household goods business included in sale
Highlight
Outstanding opportunity to acquire a highly profitable traditional hardware business in a prime central Dingwall location. Includes two income-producing 2-bedroom flats, generous retail space, parking, and strong future growth potential.
Description
This prosperous and attractive commercial property boasts a long and distinguished history, with the current business being in situ for over 50 years. The building itself dates from 1875 and has been successfully operated under the current ownership since 1996.
Situated on the bustling high street of Dingwall, the property offers a variety of potential uses, making it an ideal opportunity for anyone seeking a well-positioned, character-filled space in a thriving market town.
Currently home to MacDonalds Hardware, this well-established retail business enjoys a prominent town centre location and continues to be vibrant and highly profitable, supported by a strong and loyal customer base. The open-plan sales area provides flexibility and scope for further business development.
Additionally, the property includes a rental portfolio of 2 flats, providing a stable recurring income and attractive ROI, further enhancing the overall investment potential.
The first-floor rooms present additional potential. Subject to planning consent, there is the opportunity to introduce a complimentary business which could generate significant additional income while increasing footfall to the store.
Trade
MacDonalds Hardware generates strong turnover from a diverse range of product lines, including household goods, gifts, gardening equipment, pet supplies, brewing materials, general hardware and DIY items. The business is further enhanced by a highly successful cookware department and key cutting service, adding both diversity and additional revenue streams.
The trading business of MacDonalds Hardware is included in the sale. The business operates at a strong level of profitability, with clear scope for further development and diversification. Full accounting information will be made available to genuinely interested parties following viewing.
The business web site address is www.macdonaldshardware.com and has a Facebook page with almost 1k followers.
Location
The town of Dingwall is perfectly positioned on the banks of the River Conon, surrounded by the stunning countryside of Easter Ross-shire. While the town itself has a population of around 6,000, it serves a much larger catchment area, drawing from thriving agricultural, engineering, tourism, and port-related industries.
Dingwall is a well-established commercial and administrative centre, offering excellent social, welfare, and general services. The area is rich in history and attractions, including castles, distilleries, and golf courses, while the surrounding hills and countryside are perfect for walking, field sports, and fishing. The nearby Cromarty and Moray Firths provide opportunities for water sports, and the Moray Firth is renowned for its dolphins and minke whales.
Just 14 miles from Inverness, Dingwall benefits from excellent road, rail, and air connections, giving businesses easy access to a vibrant regional hub while enjoying the charm, lifestyle, and loyal customer base of a thriving market town. This makes Dingwall an ideal location for new business owners looking to invest in a prosperous and well-connected community.
Accommodation
The Property
The property offers an unusual and highly functional layout, comprising three storeys to the front and two to the rear. Trading areas occupy the ground floor, while administration and storage are located on the first floor.
Originally constructed in 1875, the building is of traditional stone construction beneath a pitched slate roof, with a series of later extensions that have created a generous and adaptable commercial space.
The main frontage faces the town centre high street, featuring an entrance and separate exit beneath a shared covered canopy. Inside, the sales counter sits to the right beside the exit, providing excellent oversight and security.
The ground floor trading area is arranged with aisles running from the front to the rear, a secondary service counter at the mid point, a dedicated paint section, and a key cutting station, all designed to support efficient customer flow and strong retail performance.
The first floor is divided into a residential flat and multiple rooms, offering substantial scope for business growth or alternative uses. Access is provided by staircases at both the rear and mid section of the store. From the mid store stairs, a staff washroom, utility room, and two separate storerooms are located. A hallway leads to a large storeroom spanning the full width of the unit, which connects through to a second, similarly sized storeroom.
This level also includes a spacious open plan office and administration suite, separated by a central partition, along with a staff rest area, an additional washroom, and stairs leading to the rear of the property. The rear entrance provides direct customer access from the car park, enhancing convenience and supporting increased footfall.
GROUND FLOOR
The ground floor spans approximately 185m², currently configured as an open-plan retail space for MacDonalds Hardware. Its flexible layout provides ample room for continued operation or adaptation to another retail or commercial use, offering significant potential for business growth.
FIRST FLOOR
The first floor is configured to provide a blend of commercial and residential accommodation, enhancing the property’s appeal as a mixed-use investment.
The commercial element extends to approximately 136 m² of cellular space, previously utilised as a hairdressing salon. This area offers flexibility for reconfiguration into office suites, a café, or other service-based uses, subject to the necessary consents.
In addition, there is a further suite of three rooms, formerly used as a beautician’s area, which is currently underutilised. This space presents an opportunity for additional letting, providing scope to increase rental income.
The residential accommodation is situated to the front of the property and comprises a well-maintained first-floor flat, including a living room, kitchen/diner, two double bedrooms, and a bathroom. The flat benefits from a separate stairwell accessed via the lane linking the rear private car park to the High Street, ensuring both privacy and convenience. It is currently let to a long-standing tenant, offering a reliable income stream.
SECOND FLOOR
The second floor comprises a well-maintained flat extending to approximately 70 m², including a living room, kitchen/diner, two double bedrooms, shower room and separate WC. The flat is accessed via a separate stairwell from the lane linking the rear private car park to the High Street, providing both privacy and convenience. The property is currently let to a long-standing tenant, offering a reliable income stream.
Terms
Reason For Sale
The commercial property and business are offered for sale due to the owner’s planned retirement.
Rates / Council Tax
The property has a business Rateable value of £20,000 reference number 03/09/390610/1 (April 2026) but may benefit from a discount under the Small Business Bonus Scheme with a net reduced liability for qualifying businesses.
Finance and Legal Services
ASG Commercial Ltd is in touch with a variety of different lenders who can provide specialist finance. We will be delighted to discuss your financing requirements with you and make an appropriate introduction where appropriate. We also have many contacts in the legal profession who can assist in all legal matters arising.
Specification
The business benefits from mains electricity, water and drainage.