Fife in lockdown: Businesses fear for future as they adapt once more

All non-essential businesses are now closed for the month of January as the Scottish Government introduced tough new measures in a bid to tackle a new strain of coronavirus.

As a result of the announcement, a number of businesses in the town which have been ordered to close to the public are finding new ways to adapt so they can continue to operate.

One of them is the Hug-A-Mug coffee shop and eatery in Rosslyn Street, which is no stranger to adapting to change after being forced to do so during the last lockdown.

Owner Laura Davidson said: “I had already made up my mind that even if we did go into another lockdown I wasn’t closing completely this time. I’m operating as a takeaway this time and still offering the afternoon teas which are still popular.

“I’ve had an App developed for the shop for our main menu and I’m now doing deliveries as well.”

She believes the lockdown will have a huge impact: “Hospitality especially will find it hard to come back. The main area of concern is the lack of support in terms of funding and the uncertainty as to how long this will last -= there are so many grey areas when it comes to funding and so many people being told they aren’t entitled to any help.”

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Ricky and Marzena Barclay, owners of the new Merchants House Cafe, are also offering takeaways, including hot and cold food as normal as well as coffee, cakes and afternoon tea.

Ricky said: “I had a feeling there would be further restrictions.

"We are obviously disappointed but understand why it is needed. We will continue to stay open for takeaway and we have had to adapt quickly to this change – but this is having a huge effect on small businesses and we hope it doesn't last for an extended period of time.”

Another the owner of another new business, Home of Hopcroft, which is next door to Merchants Cafe, also expressed disappointment.

Charlene Hopcroft said: “The shop will be closed which is a blow given we have just opened. But we will be operating online and adding more and more products to our website everyday and offering click and collect or home delivery.”

She added: “Lockdown is needed but it is a real blow to the high street.”

Susan Simpson, owner of Mind and Body Studio in Kinghorn Road, has staff back on furlough leave, and she will look to offer online classes.

She said: “This will have a hugely negative impact on the business.

"January is traditionally a time to attract lots of new members, try out new classes, engage potential clients in our well-being offer and we are unable to do any of this.

"Classes moving online in November meant significant set up costs, with very little income being generated. Another lockdown is another massive setback.”

She added: “The vaccination programme appears to be the only way out of the pandemic, but the timescales will mean many businesses will not survive without additional government support.”

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