‘Still Game’ corner shop king to cut the ribbon in Badenoch chemist
Kingussie may have lost its Boots but it’s ‘still game’ for a High Street chemist.
The reborn Kingussie Pharmacy will be formally opened by none other than Navid, that star shopkeeper from the classic BBC show.
The host of the launch on Friday (29th) will be actor Sanjeev Kohli, the multi-faceted actor who is best known as the corner shop king of Craiglang.
He will be ‘opening up’ at 6.30pm on behalf of the Apple Pharmacy Group, which is owned and operated by the Majhu family who acquired the Boots Pharmacy business in July.
The move was part of Boots’ disposal strategy to sell or close units across their portfolio. The deal was brought to the Majhu family’s notice by Karl Cleazy of Christies Group. The Badenoch business faced closure if a buyer could not be found and Sanjay Majhu, group chairman, approached Rukiye Beganovic-Bayansar, a prominent pharmacist from Inverness, asking if she would consider managing Kingussie Pharmacy.
“She happily agreed the takeover, which occurred on July 15th,” said Sanjay Majhu.
Apple Group have eight pharmacies after recent disposals of Islay Pharmacy, Inveraray Pharmacy and recently Shieldhill Pharmacy in Falkirk.
He told the Strathy: “I was not planning to buy shops. In fact, I was selling shops which were a long distance from our Glasgow base mainly due to the lack of pharmacists willing to work in more remote locations.
“Rukiye, however, was one of our finest shop managers and after she agreed to work with us, we knew we could have a huge impact on people’s lives in Kingussie. Her knowledge base and customer skills are excellent, so this is great adventure I’m very excited for Kingussie.
“Many of the original team are working alongside Rukiye”
And how did he secure such a famous host for the night?
“Sanjay is my first cousin,” explained ‘Navid’. “When he asked me to do the opening day I decided to come and stay over with my wife. I look forward to meeting everyone and hearing what plans Kingussie Pharmacy has for its local residents. “
Manager Rukiye added: “We look forward to meeting all our customers and patients. We have an unconditional delivery service and also spaces for Dosettes should anyone require these services.
“Future plans are to offer ear wax treatment, travel clinics, weight loss clinics and many more services. Our shop is open every day till 5.30pm including Saturday, closed just on Sundays.”
The evening is by invite only so anyone interested is asked to register at the shop, since space will be limited on the night.
Navid will be available for pictures and autographs along with stakeholders within NHS Highlands and there will be serving canapes and sandwiches.
