The recent site improvements, phase 2 of an ongoing investment plan, are geared towards broadening the business, giving clients and other site users better facilities, improving security and reducing energy usage.

John Kyle, MD of the firm, commented: “With the support of our very strong customer base and owners of the business who are keen to see our continued expansion, it makes sense for us to keep investing and improving the market facilities.

“Our livestock throughput figures are solid, whilst Caledonian Specialist Auctions plant & equipment and insolvency sales are proving to be a roaring success and we have invested considerably in the infrastructure needed to support and continue this growth. We have a new 1.75-acre compound completely surrounded by security fencing to hold the increasing number of high-value machinery items entrusted to us for sale. This has also required the construction of a new access road.

“Over half an acre of concrete has been laid, mainly to improve loading bay facilities, and a new outside toilet block has been constructed to cater for the increasing number of lorry drivers entering our site ‘after-hours’ to drop off consignments to auction. Meanwhile, livestock hauliers and farmer consignors will also benefit from new wash down facilities for their floats and trailers.”

He added: “Our property division is also growing. Due to our central location with quick access to all of the major road networks, an increasing number of businesses are seeing the strategic value in basing themselves at our site. The latest example of this is our conversion of an existing building into a new office block for a new client. We have also upgraded to LED lighting throughout the whole property, again to cater for 24-hour access requirements and also to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Caledonian Marts has also recently improved its online platform and the firm will hold its first online auction of Plant & Equipment on July 24.

Mr Kyle added: “The introduction of online sales is a way to overcome whatever COVID-19 restrictions may or may not be in place in future months, but more than that, they will also allow us to expose lots for sale to a far greater audience. This will be particularly useful for specialist equipment lots, as they can often attract attention from international buyers.

“Personally, I would like to thank all of our customers for their continuous support through the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, wish everyone well, and I look forward to the day when we can have proper sales day crowds back again to make full use of the improved facilities.”