Next generation takes over 157-year-old Fife business after owners retire

However, last week, the couple closed up for the final time – and handed over the keys to the shop, which has been part of the town for 157 years, over to the next generation.

Visitors to the Bonnygate hardware shop will not notice any difference in the store in the near future, other than the person behind the till.

It is now John’s daughter, Nicola, who is running the shop.

Two years ago, Maureen and John put the store, along with their Blairgowrie shop, up for sale, when they decided to retire.

It was then that Nicola came forward and asked to take on the business.

“We tried to sell and were about to close down, but then Nicola said that she could do it,” said John.

“I was gutted no one was going to buy R. Dott Thomson. No one is buying shops on the high street. After being open 157 years, for me to be the one closing it – I would have been devastated. When Nicola said she wanted to take over, I was delighted.”

While shoppers will not notice any difference in the store, they will see changes in how the business operates online.

The store is getting a new website, and its presence on Facebook has also increased, engaging with new customers.

“We’ve finally been brought into the 21st century,” joked John.

R. Dott Thomson was given the green light to remain open during lockdown – a status given to all hardware stores.

However, when the store’s supplier contacted the couple to let them know it was closing, Maureen and John began their own preparations to shut, including furloughing their staff.

Days later the supplier reversed its decision. While the store could remain open, its staff had to remain furloughed for the minimum three weeks, meaning it was left to Maureen and John to run the business alone.

“We were starting at 8am and finishing at 10pm,” he said.

“I’ve never had such a busy time. We were glad when the staff came back.”

John believes the lockdown period encouraged people to shop local – something he hopes the people of Cupar will continue to do going forward.

“We want to thank all our staff,” John said. “They’ve been sterling through this period. We also want to thank our customers, past and present.”