M McCowan & Son was established in June 1960 by Millar and Olive McCowan who started the company by selling fishing supplies, shooting supplies and toys. With the business growing a few years later they brought in their son Eric as a partner. This brought a new aspect to the shop in selling electrical goods and electrical contracting services. A second shop a few years later was bought in the nearby Market town of Castle Douglas. As times moved on the electrical goods sales was replaced with pet sales in the Castle Douglas branch which was found to be an instant success. This influenced the Dalbeattie branch to start selling pet supplies as well due to popular demand.  Eric in his younger day was a keen shooter and shot for Scotland on 5 occasions in the sporting international section. He is also a member of the Dalbeattie Angling Association and the Dalbeattie and District Sea Angling Club.

The shops are now run by Eric, his wife Frances and their daughter Gillian who offer a very friendly service and always put their customer satisfaction first.