Couple honour popular butcher by keeping name as they reopen Renfrew shop

The much-loved Renfrew butchers shop run by Hugh McWhinnie will live on – five months after the town’s well-known meat man hung up his hooks.

The Paisley Daily Express reported in January that Hugh, whose family had been in the business for more than 100 years, announced that it was time to put away the carving knives.

The shop had been in the family for generations – having been operated by his great-great-grandfather more than 100 years ago.

Residents of the town expressed their sadness at losing the Fulbar Street staple, but now, Hugh’s legacy lives on, with new owners reopening the store under his name.

Hugh McWhinnie butchers reopened on Wednesday, May 15 under the ownership of Sean and Annette Lavery.

Sean, 52, from Pollok, has more than 40 years experience in the industry.

He said: “We took over the business from Hugh and decided to keep trading under his name to honour his history and also the local community.

“Customer sentiments have been overwhelmingly positive and they are so glad to have a butcher back open in the community.

“Myself and Annette would like to thank the whole of the Renfrew community and our family and friends, everyone else who took time to visit our new shop, we have been overwhelmed with the superb support and kind words.”

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