Graham Mackinlay & Co is a small family business.
Graham Mackinlay has been in the Scottish gun trade for over 40 years, having trained as an apprentice gunsmith with Edinburgh Gunmakers on Rose Street in the 1980s when the Scottish gun trade was a bustling and vibrant industry. On qualifying, the call of the West coast was strong and Graham set up Glasgow Gun Makers in a small industrial unit in Clydebank on the shores of the Clyde. Here he built up a solid client base and business flourished. Soon Graham found himself with a shop and a new partner on the Great Western Road in Glasgow where they traded for seven years. Having outgrown these premises, they moved to a larger shop a few doors down and expanded the clothing, accessory and ammunition provision. Business continued to grow, but Graham was struggling with splitting his time effectively between the workshop and the showroom. His business partner also at this time decided on a career move, so change was in the air.
In 2002 he and his partner went their separate ways and to reflect this change to single ownership, and the move away from the clothing and accessories for which they had become known, Graham renamed the business and moved further West along the Clyde to his current location at Strathleven House where Graham Mackinlay & Co was born.
Business has gone from strength to strength and Graham concentrates on buying and selling best quality side by side British shotguns. He is also now widely recognised as ‘The Scottish Gun Expert’ as Scottish guns hold a special place in his heart. An eye for detail and love of tradition means that Graham understands and recognises the detail of the individual gunmaker’s preferences, something he puts to good use nowadays especially when renovating these classic weapons and bringing them back to their former glory. Graham has a particular interest in guns by John Dickson & Son of Edinburgh. He has helped many clients build impressive collections of Dickson shotguns and has many admirers and collectors of Scottish guns not only in the United Kingdom but also in America and Europe. During one summer alone Graham had an unbelievable 38 Dickson round actions in his showroom; some for sale and some in for repair. On the strength of this knowledge and expertise, Graham has been commissioned by several clients to oversee the build of their new Dickson shotguns.
Graham’s philosophy is based on his personality; honesty, integrity and a deal sealed with a handshake. He understands that, with the advent of new technology, his markets have expanded overseas and the need for honest ‘warts and all’ descriptions of his guns are imperative if the customer is to be happy. After all, the first time many of them manage to actually see and hold their new gun, is only after they have bought it and had it shipped overseas. Graham has become trusted amongst his American clients for this very trait.
His passion is palpable, his knowledge is legendary and he is one of the few lucky people who have turned their lifelong passion into a successful business.
Susan Mackinlay has been behind the scenes of Graham’s career right from the start, managing all the non-gun related business enabling Graham to concentrate on what he does best.
If you require any further information, please click here, or telephone us on 01389 751122
If you would rather pop into the showroom:
Strathleven House
Dumbarton G82 3PD
Mon-Fri 2-6pm – or by appointment.
