Inverness-based Simpsons has acquired Christies Garden Centre in Fochabers, Moray. The new acquisition establishes a group of Simpsons centres across the North-East corridor from Inverness to Aberdeenshire. The site will become the third centre in the Simpsons portfolio following the acquisition of Happy Plant in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, in 2020.

Christies' 48 employees will transfer to Simpsons.

Plans include updates to the centre's layout, enhanced offerings and ranges, along with a refreshed restaurant offering. Overall creating a warm, welcoming space designed to continue making the customer experience a memorable one.

The acquisition is a hugely positive move and is testament to the strength of the gardening industry at this time.

Andrew Simpson, managing director of Simpsons Garden Centre, spoke of the acquisition of Christies.

He said: "This is an exciting time for Simpsons as we welcome this fabulous site into our family, not only strengthening the Simpsons brand but continuing to integrate with the local community and driving the centre's growth.

“Christies is a long-established business that has been part of the Fochabers and Moray community since 1820. We are excited at the prospect of continuing the Christies work and building on their achievements.

“We plan to thoughtfully refresh the garden centre over time and intend to expand the range of plants, garden and furniture products on offer, with continued emphasis on quality that keen gardeners expect.

“The restaurant, which is a focal meeting point for the local community, will continue to serve delicious quality food, and we aim to refresh the menu offering, continuing with the focus on quality local ingredients over the coming months.

“We look forward to welcoming the current Christies team to the Simpsons fold, and I wish Christine the very best on her retirement.

Christine Christie, Director and General Manager at Christies Garden Centre, added:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time caring for the Garden Centre and working with excellent staff over the years. Since opening the restaurant in 2006, we have built long-standing relationships with our regular customers, and I will certainly miss the banter. All of our visitors to the Garden Centre and Restaurant have made this job worthwhile.

“Since the first seed was sown in 1820, Christies Forestry has flourished to become one of the largest, privately owned, growers of forest trees in the UK and is now in its 7th generation of Nurserymen with Ronald Christie as Chairman, his son Neal, the Managing Director and Neal’s sons have now joined the business and are working their way up through the ranks.

“So, it's goodbye to Christies Garden Centre, but Christies (Fochabers) Limited will hopefully continue for generations to come.

“I am delighted to hand over the Garden Centre to Andrew and his team, and I look forward to seeing the changes they will be making. I would also like to congratulate Andrew on his 25th Anniversary at Simpsons Inverness.”

Pictured (L to R): Ronald Christie, Christine Christie, Andrew Simpson and Neal Christie.