Burntisland business expands with a move into Kirkcaldy High Street

C. Sinclair Fish Merchants is set to open a second shop in the unit on the corner of Tolbooth Street which once housed a Next childrenswear store and latterly operated as a charity shop. It is hoped to be open in mid-late September.

Calum told The Press why he decided to expand his business and launch in Kirkcaldy: “The decision to expand and open our second store has been led by the increase in the customer demand for quality fresh fish and seafood,” he said.

“The new shop will enable us to have a High Street presence in Kirkcaldy and Burntisland as well as the space we need to prepare our quality products.

“We chose Kirkcaldy because we know it well and already have a customer base in the town through the Friday Artisan Market and our home delivery service. We also work with a number of local restaurants in the town, so it felt like the logical choice.

“We have been looking for the right shop in Kirkcaldy for a while and when this unit came up, we knew it was the perfect place!

"The glass frontage and the location makes it the ideal space for us to grow.”

He revealed what the new shop will offer customers: “We will be offering the same as the Burntisland shop, only bigger. The added space means we will be able to have a live lobster tank as well as a fresh cheese counter,” he said.

“The new premises will also allow us to upgrade our smoking equipment to create a proper smokehouse on site. Allowing us to experiment with flavours to produce hot and cold smoked products.”

He said the expansion will provide a jobs boost: “The new shop will create four new full time positions, as well as additional part time work. We can’t wait to officially become part of Kirkcaldy High Street, having been involved in the Artisan Market we already feel at home in the town.

"There is so much potential for the High Street which unfortunately has been overshadowed by the big chains pulling out, the bad reputation doesn’t paint the picture of how well the little guys are doing.

"We wouldn’t have chosen to expand into Kirkcaldy if we didn’t have faith in the town.”

“But Kirkcaldy High Street is on the right track, there is such a positive movement of unique independent businesses who have a real passion for the town.

"The success of the Friday Artisan Market shows there is a customer demand for quality products on the High Street. There are unfortunately some big empty units which are out of reach for many independent businesses, however Burntisland High Street is proof that success breeds success when it comes to regenerating the High Street.”

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