By Neil Trainis

A husband-and-wife-run independent pharmacy chain in Scotland has bought two LloydsPharmacy branches.

Porter Pharmacy, which is owned by Andy and Lynne Porter who founded it in 2006, acquired LloydsPharmacy branches in Westhill Shopping Centre and Arnhall Business Park in Aberdeenshire. The branches will be rebranded as Porter Pharmacy.

The deal, which takes the number of pharmacies they own to seven, was facilitated by the law firm Aberdein Considine who provided them with legal assistance. Funding support was provided by the Bank of Scotland.

Andy Porter described the acquistions as "an important moment for Porter Pharmacy" and added: "Having started our first independent business in 2006 it felt like the right time and the right opportunity to expand the business further."

Ritchie Whyte from Aberdein Considine said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Andy and Lynne over the last few years and in particular on these milestone acquisitions, which are hugely important not just for the business but also for the local community.

“Andy and Lynne have built a fantastic business focused first and foremost on providing an excellent service to their customers across Aberdeen City and Shire and we wish them every success with the new pharmacies and look forward to continuing to support them and the business moving forward.”