Thistle grows in Dunbar

Scottish independent builders merchant Thistle Timber & Building Supplies has  opened its new branch covering East Lothian in Dunbar, part of its growth strategy. .

Thistle are an established leader in the supply of landscaping, building and roofing materials. Their substantial investment in Dunbar will allow their collection service in Dunbar to flourish, and their comprehensive delivery service to extend into East Lothian, the borders, and beyond.

Thistle syarted up in 1998 from a base at the Wisp in Edinburgh. In 2006 the company expanded to add a facility at the Gyle, and then in 2017 the original site at the Wisp was expanded to quadruple its original size.

Thistle Dunbar Branch Manager, Cameron Martin, said:  “The development at Dunbar has brought a number of new jobs to the area, and there will be further expansion and recruitment anticipated as the business grows. Thistle are delighted to highlight that over half of our new staff previously drove into Edinburgh to work, but now walk to work. And the remainder now have a much shorter commute to work than they had to endure previously. So the development is having a positive contribution to the carbon footprint of our staff.”

Council Leader Norman Hampshire said: “This is very positive news for the economy and employment in the local area. By opening a branch for East Lothian in Dunbar, Thistle Timber and Building Supplies are keeping jobs in the local area whilst also setting out ambitions for future growth and expansion. It is a sign of confidence in East Lothian and very encouraging in terms of the attractiveness of the county as a place to do business and provide a service to the community.”

Thistle founder, David Allen, said “Dunbar and the surrounding area has been in need of the products and services offered by a builder’s merchant for some time. Surprisingly, the site was originally owned by R Dickinson & Son whose original use was as a builder’s merchant. So the investment from Thistle is simply returning the site to its original intended use.”

Thistle shareholder, Tess Allen, added “And we are not finished our investment yet. We have a large area at the front of the development which will be invested in to create 10 different landscaping and walling concept gardens. There is no better way to experience a landscape concept than in person. The experience allows you to fully understand the potential that our products hold to unlock your own garden space. So we hope everyone checks-in over the next few months to view this exciting development.”