Through your columns I would like to announce that I have accepted an offer from Hugh Black & Sons of Bathgate who will take over my butcher businesses in Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly from Monday 29th June.

Over the past 18 months my wife has battled ill health and this has prompted my decision. Although she is now very much on the mend, her troubles served as a wake up call and I have decided to take sabbatical to spend some quality time with my family.

Since taking over what was a fantastic business from my father in 2003 I have built the family firm into one of the busiest retail butchery businesses in Scotland and have enjoyed an unrivalled level of success in local and national competitions.

This, however, has come at a hefty price in terms of family time. My average working week is 80 hours and is often much more. My wife’s ill health brought all this into perspective. The fact is not lost on me that I have always had a hard working team behind me, and a loyal customer base.

I know most of my customers by name and greatly appreciate their support during my tenure and of my father before me. I am confident I leave behind a business in very good hands, with my former staff remaining with the business.

Hugh and Craig Black are at the top of the trade having built a strong portfolio of retail outlets supported by modern production facilities.

Their business model is exceptional and I have no doubt they will take things to another level in Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly. Like myself, they are second-generation butchers and have a distinguished history also in the Scottish farming industry. They have access to the best cattle in the land and their end product is the same high quality as sold by me. I could not have chosen a better firm to succeed me and I wish them all the best.

They are making a significant investment in the local economy and I have no doubt they will receive the same level of support from you as I did. Customers with Christmas clubs can be assured that their account balances will be transferred to the new business on the day of sale and they can continue to save as normal for the festive season. It is very much business as usual with the only difference being the absence of the two Tom’s.

Tom Courts jnr Managing Director Tom Courts Quality Foods Ltd