“Well-respected” 117-year-old Scottish machinery dealer goes into administration 

Balgownie Limited and Balgownie Rentals Limited confirmed the news, which follows 24 redundancies with 17 employees being retained to assist the administrators in marketing and selling the company’s assets. 

The business was established in 1907 and provided machinery to the agricultural, construction, and ground care industries in northern Scotland.

Joint administrators, Richard Bathgate and Graeme Bain of Johnston Carmichael, are currently assessing the stock and asset position at each of the sites operated by BL to determine whether the business may be in a position to continue to trade in the short term, while a purchaser is sought for the business. 

Cash flow issues 

The owners made an online announcement that the sites will remain closed to the public while the administrators undertake further assessments. 

Managing director Mike Singer said: “As a result of cash flow issues, the board of directors is deeply saddened to announce that we have had to make the difficult decision to appoint administrators to the company with immediate effect.” 

“Well-respected company” 

Joint administrators Richard Bathgate of Johnston Carmichael LLP, described Balgownie as a “well-respected company” known for its quality and outstanding customer service. 

He added: “Unfortunately, following the identification of cashflow difficulties, the board of directors has had to place both Balgownie Limited and Balgownie Rentals Limited into administration.  

“I would encourage any party who may be interested in acquiring the business and its assets to contact Neil Woodgreaves of Johnston Carmichael.  

“This is an opportunity to acquire the business and assets of a highly respected, long-established business which operates at its wholly owned trading premises in Inverurie and Turriff, Aberdeenshire.” 

Customers who have goods currently held by the company at a trading site for service, repair, etc., and who have not yet received contact in relation to those items, should send details of their goods, their site location and any order reference number to balgowniecustomers@jcca.co.uk.  

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