A WEST FIFE chemist has changed hands with the current owner stepping down after more than 20 years behind the counter.

Cameron Guaudin took over the running of the High Valleyfield Pharmacy in 1999 and has now decided to retire.

The well-established business dispenses an average of 6,360 NHS items every month from its premises opposite the village's health centre and next to the local convenience store.

The premises has been taken over by Gazenfer Ali, an experienced owner who currently has two pharmacies in Glasgow.

He plans to develop the pharmacy’s additional services that will benefit the local community and improve the business’s performance.

He said: "I am very excited to be working with the team at High Valleyfield Pharmacy. Cameron was there for many years and provided a fantastic service to the local community and I hope that we can both continue and build on that service.

"I wish Cameron all the best for a much-deserved retirement.”

Mr Guaudin added: “I would like to thank Gazenfer for his help and hard work over this purchase.”

The sale, for an undisclosed price, was handled by specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co.

Its director, Karl Clezy, said: “This pharmacy was an attractive proposition with four offers received at the closing date. It was generating a healthy profit and the turnover has been so consistent year after year.

"Buyers liked the fact that it was unopposed, with the closest pharmacy over two miles away, as well as its prominent location opposite the village health centre.

"This busy pharmacy attracted significant interest from buyers right across the central belt of Scotland with a mix of group and independent pharmacy owners expressing interest.

"There continues be a lack of supply of such pharmacies to meet the high demand.”