Pearsons of Duns - 01361882277

Pearsons of Duns is a family run business based in Duns, Scottish Borders. Founded in 1920 as a Coal Merchant by the current MD's Grandfather, we have a long history of providing high quality coal throughout the Borders & Lothians.

In 1920 the Grandfather of the present Director moved from Edinburgh and bought over a small Coal Merchant’s business in Duns. Robert Hogg Pearson (Bob) continued to operate as a Coal Merchant gaining in reputation as the decades went by.

Robert Scott Pearson (Bob’s son) joined the business in 1945 and learned the trade before his Dad gradually retired around 12 years later. Bert as he became known all over the Borders continued to increase the customer base and Pearson’s reputation as Diploma Approved Coal Merchants. He then introduced haulage into the operation with tippers working out of the local quarries.

In 1982 Monty Pearson (youngest son of Bert) returned to Duns after 15 years working in Edinburgh with the aim of taking over the business. The haulage side was expanded soon afterwards and the solid fuel experience gradually passed over before Bert “handed the reins over” a few years later.

In 1991 Monty’s elder brother Barry completed his service in the Royal Navy and joined the firm and trained as Haulage Manager.

A small stove shop was squeezed into the premises around 1993 although it soon became obvious that the business had outgrown its office in Murray Street, Duns and the decision was taken to buy land adjacent to the Depot at Cheeklaw in Station Road, Duns.

By the end of 1994 there was a new office built and also a diversification into Builders Merchants. This also led to DIY goods being sold and within 2 years a Garden Centre complete with Coffee Shop had been added.

In 1998 the business was changed to a Limited Company. A few coal businesses were acquired over the period 1999 to 2002 as several local merchants retired from the trade. This entailed taking over a depot at Alnwick, which ran three coal trucks. The Alnwick business was later centralised back in Duns.

We sold the haulage section of the business in 2010, to focus on the build centre & garden centre.

Currently we provide a well stocked Builders Merchants, Stove Shop and a good range of Gardening and DIY Goods and our Solid Fuel Section continues to hold its own. The Coffee Shop has also become very popular for relaxing cuppas and light lunches.