Alexander TaylorWaterside Bakery

Alexander Taylor has baked on Waterside Street in Strathaven since 1820, and is widely recognised as the oldest bakery in Scotland. The business has stayed in the Taylor family for six generations; Barry Taylor and his wife Claire took it over from Barry's parents in 1997. It occupies two premises on either side of Waterside Street, both painted pale aquamarine: one holds the shop and production bakehouse, the other a cafe and deli serving breakfasts, lunches, sandwiches, coffee and cakes. The bakers produce sourdough breads, morning rolls, patisserie and traditional Scottish baking daily on site. In late 2025 the family placed the long-established business up for sale, having no seventh-generation successor, but it continues to trade from its original Strathaven location under family ownership.