Grain and Sustain pulls out of Kirkcaldy Enlightenments hub after just two weeks

Louise Humpington, front left, and Mike Lowe, front right, when the hub opened a few weeks ago.

Grain and Sustain, which already enjoys a huge success on Burntisland High Street, was hailed just a few weeks ago as an “anchor retail tenant” by the Adam Smith Global Foundation which manages the Kirkcaldy hub.

However, the grocery and dry goods store announced via a social media post yesterday that they would be pulling out.

Grain and Sustain’s Louise Humpington said: "We just felt that is wasn’t the quite the right fit for us as a business at this time, but we wish the the Merchants and the Foundation all the very best for the future.

"We still have our shops in Burntisland and Bowhouse and also offer delivery to Kirkcaldy if you’d like to order via the website.”

Iain Macdonald, trustee at the Adam Smith Global Foundation said: “It’s disappointing, clearly takings for the first few weeks isn’t as high as they’d hoped, perhaps the setup just didn’t suit them being part of the hub rather than having their own store.

"We’re always on the lookout for more businesses to join the hub.

"We’re talking to a few traders from the Artisan Friday Market and we’re hoping that a food retailer will join us, although we’re not just focusing on food.

"We have a lot of interest and we’re carrying on. I thoroughly believe that the wider High Street and the Merchant’s Quarter is growing daily and is a good place to be.”

Mike Lowe, who runs the 3Bean Cafe at the Hub, said that while footfall has been initially low at the hub, he expects it to pick up over time.

He added: “I’m really happy with how it’s gone. I came here expecting to do less business than I have. I’m pleased with the space, it’s calm, warm, and inviting, and as a business your staff create the rest of the atmosphere.

"It’s a shame Grain and Sustain has moved on, I think they have a good business, but by leaving it opens up an opportunity for another business to come along and set up here.

Grain and Sustain’s Burntisland shop will be celebrating it’s first birthday on October 12, with discounts and prize giveaways.