Businesses in Kirkcaldy finding new ways to operate during coronavirus lockdown

One of them is the Hug-A-Mug coffee shop and eatery in Rosslyn Street, which only began trading in September last year.

Owner Laura Davidson is now offering a meals on wheels delivery service.

She said: “Initially I decided to trade as a takeaway only but I was in a moral dilemma: do I follow my head and keep trading or do I follow my heart which told me to close?

“But after speaking with family I decided to do The Hug A Mug Meals On Wheels where meals that could be frozen would be delivered or collected at a pre-arranged time.

“The response to this has been amazing, it means that by doing contactless deliveries, family can make sure that their elderly or vulnerable relatives have meals, giving them one less thing to worry about.

“I’m taking each day as it comes, but I’m not going to lie. I’ve been worried sick about my little shop that I’ve worked so hard in, but I have amazing and supportive customers so I’m sure we will pull through this.”

The meals she offers include soup, macaroni, mince and potatoes and a roast lunch.

She continued: “I’m in the middle of adding an app to the page, but in the meantime people can message me and place the order. The payment is taken in advance meaning that when I deliver I leave the package on the doorstep, ring the bell, step back and wait until the door is open.

“If no-one answers the door or there is an issue I can alert the person who placed the order. Collection of meals will be done at pre-arranged times which will be a minimum of 15 minutes apart to minimise contact.”

Meanwhile Christine Cunningham-Smith, who owns Bliss Beauty salon in Kirkcaldy, said she’d looked at offering a retail doorstep delivery service, but said more clarity is needed from the government.

“I have read on BBC that online orders are allowed to be delivered and dropped safely at doorsteps, but I’m confused as I know we are not a necessity. I feel we need some more guidelines,” she said.

“Clients have messaged asking if we can deliver but I’m unsure what to do for the best and what is safest for everyone.

“Through social media and emails we are keeping in regular touch with our clients and friends and we are hoping to maintain a presence as an independent business in Kirkcaldy for when we re-open … whenever that might be.”