Butcher Murray Mitchell (62) has worked in the shop his father started more than 80 years ago, since he was a 13-year-old message boy there.

He is undoubtedly sad to be closing the doors after so many years with the loss of 10 jobs. "I'll miss the contact with the people," he told the Citizen this week.

"The staff have been here a long time. I really have no option but to close, as my health is not good. The business was started by my father, Murray.

"My grandfather, also Murray, had Feddinch Farm, on the outskirts of the town. I'll be keeping my farm, Ferniemill, near Letham, going, but I'm going to miss the shop."

The premises, at 110 Market Street, has seen its fair share of celebrity customers over the years.

Actress Joanna Lumley and Prince William (he liked the steak pies) and his girlfriend Kate Middleton have all been familiar figures in the queue, though it was more often the Prince's 'minder'.who called in.

Murray, a champion amateur golfer in the 70s, also knows many well-known figures in the sport from his time on the amateur circuit.

Ironically the premises, which have been sold to an unnamed developer, once housed the former Forgan's golf factory and one of his most cherished possessions is a putter forged for him there as a little boy.
Murray Mitchell's will close on October 18.