W&D Ross Hardware Store and Paint Spectrum, Thurso

Hardware Store The hardware store occupies a prominent position on Riverside Road in Thurso, housed in a spacious stone single-storey building with generous outdoor retail space and a polytunnel, all set within a secure, fenced, and gated yard. Ample customer parking is available directly in front of the shop, ensuring convenient access for both local customers and passing trade. The building is constructed from harled block to around 2.3m, above which the walls are constructed from insulated metal profile sheeting. The roof is also constructed using insulated metal profile sheets. The internal floor area extends to approximately 229m² and is thoughtfully laid out for retail efficiency. The main entrance features a door that opens into the initial sales area, which is well-presented with shelving, racking, and freestanding displays. This sales area connects to the rear sales area through a large opening and separately to the external sales area. Within the initial sales area is a dedicated sales counter and a small but well-appointed office, offering both functionality and comfort. To the fronta staff WC is provided. To the right of the building lies the extensive external retail and storage area, accessed directly from the hardware store and directly from the street for the owners via a single pedestrian gate and a wider double gate that also allows for convenient vehicular access, making deliveries simpler. This secure outdoor space forms the garden centre element of the business, where pallets of plants, shrubs, and seasonal stock are neatly displayed alongside larger items such as compost, fencing, and garden furniture. The layout is designed for efficient stock handling, with a JCB Teletruk operating on-site to move bulk goods and assist with loading. Weather-resistant products such as planters, hardy shrubs, and small trees are arranged in the area adjacent to the polytunnels, creating an inviting and accessible outdoor sales environment. LPG bottles are safely stored along the perimeter wall in a designated area. This well-organised and versatile outdoor space significantly enhances the customer offering, enabling a seamless blend of traditional hardware sales with a thriving garden centre element. Paint Spectrum Paint Spectrum is a well-established retail premises situated in a prominent position on Couper Square in Thurso. To the front of the building is customer car parking across the full width of the shop frontage. The property lies back-to-back with the adjacent Hardware Shop. Whilst currently operating as separate entities, the two premises and their grounds present a unique potential opportunity to be joined together, possibly creating one expansive commercial unit. This single-storey, purpose-built retail property features an attractive decorative stone frontage and large picture windows that allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and inviting retail space. The side and rear walls are harled, all under an insulated metal profile roof. The building offers approximately 150m² of floor space. Access to the property is via a UPVC entrance door, which opens directly into a spacious and well-organised shop floor. The main sales area showcases an extensive range of paints, wallpaper, and associated decorating supplies. A key feature of the store is the 2 paint mixing machines located at the rear of the shop floor, a Crown Paint machine and a Johnston Paint machine. This is a popular service that adds significant value for customers. Additionally, the owners have successfully diversified their offerings by incorporating a pet food and supplies department within the sales area, further broadening the customer base and enhancing the overall retail experience.

Located in the vibrant coastal town of Thurso, the northernmost settlement on mainland Britain, this well-established hardware and paint shop presents a rare opportunity to acquire a trusted and profitable business at the heart of a growing, loyal community. Serving as a vital retail resource for both local residents and the wider rural area, the shop has earned a solid reputation for quality products, expert advice, and a dependable, community-focused presence. With a prime location and consistent foot traffic, the business benefits from steady, year-round custom from tradespeople, homeowners, and visitors alike. Thurso’s role as a regional centre, combined with its positioning on the iconic North Coast 500 route, ensures a continual stream of potential customers. At the same time, a rise in property renovations, tourism development, and local investment continues to drive demand for paint, tools, hardware, and home improvement supplies. The shop enjoys a broad and reliable customer base that includes contractors, DIY enthusiasts, and property owners—many of whom return regularly for both practical supplies and personalised service. Its close proximity to Scrabster Harbour, the Dounreay site, and a variety of construction and service industries reinforces its commercial relevance, while offering further potential for expansion through additional product lines or extended opening hours. Schooling is available at Mount Pleasant Primary School and Thurso High School, making the area an appealing option for families considering relocation. This is a turnkey opportunity, ideally suited to an experienced retailer, a hands-on tradesperson, or an investor looking to step into a stable, respected business within a supportive, close-knit Highland town. With affordable local property, a strong spirit of entrepreneurship, and growing interest in rural living and sustainable development, Thurso offers the perfect backdrop for long-term success.