“Stenhousemuir has a historic association with cattle droving that dates back over 200 years. In 1785 Stenhousemuir became the home of the Falkirk Tryst, one of the largest gatherings of livestock farmers and buyers from all across Scotland and beyond. At its peak, as many as one hundred thousand cattle were driven from as far afield as the Outer Hebrides. Tryst means ‘romantic meeting’ or ‘date’, and for that reason two cast-iron cattle figures are mounted on a ‘love heart’ of sandstone, commemorating the link to the other famous local landmark, the Carron Ironworks. The two figures also point the way to Stenhousemuir’s only butchers, R. Brown & Son.

Bobby Brown (Robert Brown Snr.) began his commercial life as a grocer, and when Robert Brown (Jnr) left school he went to work in his Uncle’s butcher shop in Bainsford, Andersons. Robert Brown (Jnr) gained valuable experience there, which encouraged him to persuade his father to introduce a butchery counter to his grocer business when it moved to King Street in 1968.

Grandson of Bobby, Steven left Larbert High School in 1992, and having worked in the business from primary school days, during weekends and school holidays, he was well positioned to begin his full-time career alongside his father and grandfather in the butcher trade. Sixteen years later in 2008 the business moved to its current site in Hallam Road, right next-door to the major supermarket. This move was initially considered quite a risk, however, with the specialist knowledge and quality on offer, has since proven to be very beneficial for passing trade. And of course, Brown’s regular customers, many of whom will have known Bobby, continue their loyalty to this day.”

Today

Stenhousemuir and Larbert have grown substantially since the days of the King Street shop, but our ethos has remained the same; Sourcing the highest quality produce, and providing the best value possible to our customers.

Much of the produce sold in the shop has been locally sourced from farms within Central Scotland and surrounding areas. Steven’s experience in butchery has given him an edge when it comes to selecting the best beef and lamb for the shop. He personally selects the produce himself from the Caledonian Market in Stirling, ensuring the highest possible quality at all times.

One of our most popular products at the moment are our own line of ready meals, which can be attributed to the magic of Mairi Brown, wife of Robert and mother of Steven, and unsung hero of the business. Mairi has made a hugely important contribution to the business over the decades and works relentlessly at the front counter serving customers, and in the bake shop cooking up a storm.

Currently the shop employs ten staff in the front and back shop, and in our new ‘bake’ shop. Some of our staff have worked with the business for many years, and some of the younger staff who will gain valuable experience and apprenticeships.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff for their contributions over the years, past and present, and to every one of our customers who continue to give us purpose in everything we do.
Thank you.