Kirkcaldy gains new shop as non-essential restrictions end next week

As lockdown restrictions concerning non-essential shops are set to be lifted next Monday, one shop in Kirkcaldy is preparing to open for business for the first time.
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Thistle Island Candle Company, on St Clair Street, is set to open its doors to customers next week after a year of planning.

The handmade candle and gift shop is owned and run by Kirkcaldy business woman Joanne Drysdale (30), and sells a wide range of hand poured candles, wax melts and diffusers all made using sustainable and vegan friendly materials and ingredients as well as other gift items for people to purchase.

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Joanne, from Kirkcaldy, said: “I have been making candles for about three years now, and last year I had decided to brand them for sale.

Thistle Island.Thistle Island.
Thistle Island.

"I was all set to go and then the first lockdown happened, and put all of my plans on hold.

Joanne Drysdale.Joanne Drysdale.
Joanne Drysdale.

"Originally I was selling my candles online and in a few small shops but it has always been a dream to have my own shop.”

With Joanne’s plans on hold, it gave her a chance to find to find the perfect location.

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"I had passed the empty unit on St Clair street a couple of times in the car and it was actually my husband, Aky, who had mentioned that it would be a great wee shop for me.

"Everything just went from there.

"Being in lockdown has meant that we have been able to fix up the shop just doing bits here and there.”

Noe she is looking forward to showing off her products.

All of her candles are handmade and are vegan friendly, meaning that no animal products whatsoever have been used to make them.

"Everything that goes into making my candles are vegan friendly,” she added. “The glue for the stickers and the wicks are all free from any animal products.

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"Even though I’m not vegan myself, I want to cater for everyone and feel that no one should be excluded – I’m really excited to be opening next week and to see all of my hard work pay off.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/beerwickscandles

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