Edinburgh-based family-run firm Broughton Removals is celebrating 50 years in business this year.

Having grown up with a love for drawing removal vans as a boy, Sonny Munro set up his dream business in 1970 with two vehicles – both ‘old bangers’ – in the capital’s Broughton Street.

Sonny recalls, “The first van was bought for £80 and the second for £150. I was so proud of myself to have started but they were two old bangers!”

“When I was very young, 8 to 10-years-old, I used to draw removal vans. I loved doing that. Very few people actually get to do the profession they want to do, so it was a dream for me. It’s fantastic to still be going 50 years on and I love it to this day.”

Sonny’s father was a second-hand furniture dealer, so he was well used to seeing items moved around back and forth. Pickfords were the premier player in town in the 1970s, with around 40 vehicles, but Sonny saw an opportunity.

It took a year or two to get going, but Sonny felt there was a market as more people were looking for help to move rather than doing it themselves, which had traditionally been the case.

The business grew steadily, with repeat business helping bolster the books. Sonny believes the longevity of Broughton Removals stems from customer satisfaction and a professional, friendly and efficient service; what Sonny proudly calls ‘The Broughton Way’.

Sonny’s daughter Jo and son Kris now run the day-to-day operations and with more than 80% of their trade coming from repeat business or recommendation, ‘The Broughton Way’ has clearly succeeded.

Jo and Kris now oversee a team of 18 staff and a fleet of 14 vehicles at a purpose-built facility in Carron Place, Leith. The ‘boss’ Sonny is still on hand, always keen to be involved – even at the age of 76.

Photos: Sonny Munro with Jo and Kris, Broughton Removals vans.