Residents across Perth and Kinross, and those frequently venturing into neighbouring areas, are keenly observing a dynamic period of transformation on local high streets and in shopping centres. Recent weeks have brought a flurry of announcements regarding new retail and hospitality ventures, alongside some significant closures that reshape the commercial landscape. This detailed update offers a snapshot of these key changes, keeping our Perthshire community informed about what’s opening, closing, and evolving nearby. Retail Scene Shifts: Openings, Closures, and Risks
Starting with significant retail news, the Swedish furniture giant Ikea is progressing with plans for its new Dundee outlet, a convenient destination for many in Perth and Kinross. Work estimated at £80,000 is earmarked for the Kingsway West Retail Park unit, involving structural modifications such as rooflight adjustments and enhanced fire protection systems. While Dundee City Council has already green-lit the necessary signage, the commencement of this work is expected within the next three years, promising a fresh shopping experience on the eastern edge of Tayside.
Further east, in St Andrews, the renowned St Andrews Links Trust is seeking approval to establish a new ‘Home of Golf’ store on Market Street. This venture aims to revitalise a C-listed building that previously housed a tourism information centre, closed since January by VisitScotland. The proposed store is set to offer not only merchandise but also essential visitor services, including tee time bookings and entries into the coveted Old Course ballot, aligning with the Trust’s ongoing commitment to reinvest in local facilities. This development could be a draw for golf enthusiasts from across Perthshire.
However, not all news from the high street is positive. Dundee’s Overgate Shopping Centre has seen the permanent closure and liquidation of Elegance Brow and Beauty. The salon, which had been in a ‘temporary’ shutdown for several weeks, accumulated debts exceeding £845,000, ultimately leading to its demise. This highlights the continuing financial pressures faced by many businesses in city centres.
Closer to home, several branches of Claire’s Accessories in key regional towns are facing an uncertain future. Stores in Stirling’s Thistles Shopping Centre, Perth’s own St John’s Centre, Kirkcaldy’s Mercat Centre, and Glenrothes’ Kingdom Shopping Centre are among 145 UK outlets not included in a recent acquisition deal by retail investor Modella. This puts 16 of Scotland’s 25 Claire’s locations at risk, a potential loss keenly felt by young shoppers and families in our communities.
In Perth itself, the Cancer Research UK shop on Scott Street is slated for closure in 2026. This local decision is part of a wider national retail restructuring by the charity, impacting 88 stores nationwide. Factors cited for these closures include escalating operating costs, inflationary pressures, a drop in footfall, increased National Insurance contributions, and intensified competition from burgeoning online resale markets – challenges that many charitable and retail organisations are currently navigating.
On a more positive note, Newport-on-Tay’s High Street has welcomed a new pop-up jewellery shop. Local designer Genna Delaney, who has bravely navigated personal tragedies, has opened her showroom and winter pop-up, trading from Thursdays through Saturdays until Christmas. The store offers not only her unique jewellery creations but also products from other local artisans, providing a supportive space for community members dealing with their own experiences of trauma and bereavement.
Dundee’s Wellgate Shopping Centre has also received good news as its Poundland store, initially earmarked for closure on October 11, will now remain open. New terms have been successfully negotiated with the landlord, securing the presence of the popular discount retailer.
Finally in retail, Glenrothes has bid farewell to Caledonia Kilts, following the retirement of its long-serving owner, Davy Elder, affectionately known as the ‘Glenrothes kilt man.’ After two decades of serving families with Scottish dress and kilt hire, the closure marks the end of an era for this local institution. Culinary Landscape: New Tastes and Departures
The region’s food and drink sector is also undergoing significant changes. Fast-food enthusiasts may soon have a new option in Dundee, as American chain Wendy’s advances its plans for a Reform Street location. Reports suggest the restaurant will operate seven days a week and create approximately 40 local jobs.
In Dunfermline, a former Nationwide bank branch on Carnegie Avenue is set for a caffeine-infused transformation, with plans submitted to Fife Council to convert it into a Starbucks drive-thru. Meanwhile, chicken wing specialist Wingstop is also eyeing Dunfermline, with its UK franchisee, London-based Lemon Pepper Holdings, submitting a building warrant application for a new outlet at Fife Leisure Park.
Sadly, Kirkcaldy’s Puddledub butcher, once celebrated as ‘Scotland’s Best Small Butcher’ at the British Butchery Awards, has closed its doors permanently. A planned sale of the business, which opened in 2021 and offered a range of cured, cooked, smoked, and fresh meat products, ultimately fell through, a blow to local food lovers.
In Perth, a major shift is underway at St Catherine’s Retail Park. The Tim Hortons branch, which has been a fixture since August 2021, has ceased operations. Its closure paves the way for exciting new plans, as proposals have been lodged to bring a Taco Bell to the same unit, offering a different flavour of fast food to Perth residents. Hotel Sector: Sales and New Management
The hotel industry in the wider region has also seen activity. In Dundee, the Travelodge on Strathmore Avenue is on the market with a price tag of £2.4 million. Despite the sale, management has confirmed that the 68-bedroom hotel will continue to operate as usual, providing continuity for visitors to the city.
Further north, in Pitlochry, the unique Saorsa 1875, known as the ‘UK’s first vegan hotel,’ has closed after seven years. The ‘100% plant-based’ establishment on East Moulin Road has been acquired by Birchwood Pitlochry and will continue to operate as a hotel, albeit under new ownership and possibly a new ethos. Nightlife Revival in Dunfermline
Finally, Dunfermline’s nightlife is set for a boost with the much-anticipated reopening of Lourenzos nightclub. The venue, which has been shut for over two years following a devastating fire at the adjacent Khushi’s restaurant in April 2023, will host a Halloween party on November 1 to mark its return. This news will undoubtedly be welcomed by those looking for entertainment options in the Fife town.
These developments collectively paint a picture of ongoing change and adaptation within the high streets and commercial hubs surrounding Perth and Kinross. As new businesses emerge and others adapt or close, our region continues to evolve, offering new services and reflecting broader economic trends.
Starting with significant retail news, the Swedish furniture giant Ikea is progressing with plans for its new Dundee outlet, a convenient destination for many in Perth and Kinross. Work estimated at £80,000 is earmarked for the Kingsway West Retail Park unit, involving structural modifications such as rooflight adjustments and enhanced fire protection systems. While Dundee City Council has already green-lit the necessary signage, the commencement of this work is expected within the next three years, promising a fresh shopping experience on the eastern edge of Tayside.
Further east, in St Andrews, the renowned St Andrews Links Trust is seeking approval to establish a new ‘Home of Golf’ store on Market Street. This venture aims to revitalise a C-listed building that previously housed a tourism information centre, closed since January by VisitScotland. The proposed store is set to offer not only merchandise but also essential visitor services, including tee time bookings and entries into the coveted Old Course ballot, aligning with the Trust’s ongoing commitment to reinvest in local facilities. This development could be a draw for golf enthusiasts from across Perthshire.
However, not all news from the high street is positive. Dundee’s Overgate Shopping Centre has seen the permanent closure and liquidation of Elegance Brow and Beauty. The salon, which had been in a ‘temporary’ shutdown for several weeks, accumulated debts exceeding £845,000, ultimately leading to its demise. This highlights the continuing financial pressures faced by many businesses in city centres.
Closer to home, several branches of Claire’s Accessories in key regional towns are facing an uncertain future. Stores in Stirling’s Thistles Shopping Centre, Perth’s own St John’s Centre, Kirkcaldy’s Mercat Centre, and Glenrothes’ Kingdom Shopping Centre are among 145 UK outlets not included in a recent acquisition deal by retail investor Modella. This puts 16 of Scotland’s 25 Claire’s locations at risk, a potential loss keenly felt by young shoppers and families in our communities.
In Perth itself, the Cancer Research UK shop on Scott Street is slated for closure in 2026. This local decision is part of a wider national retail restructuring by the charity, impacting 88 stores nationwide. Factors cited for these closures include escalating operating costs, inflationary pressures, a drop in footfall, increased National Insurance contributions, and intensified competition from burgeoning online resale markets – challenges that many charitable and retail organisations are currently navigating.
On a more positive note, Newport-on-Tay’s High Street has welcomed a new pop-up jewellery shop. Local designer Genna Delaney, who has bravely navigated personal tragedies, has opened her showroom and winter pop-up, trading from Thursdays through Saturdays until Christmas. The store offers not only her unique jewellery creations but also products from other local artisans, providing a supportive space for community members dealing with their own experiences of trauma and bereavement.
Dundee’s Wellgate Shopping Centre has also received good news as its Poundland store, initially earmarked for closure on October 11, will now remain open. New terms have been successfully negotiated with the landlord, securing the presence of the popular discount retailer.
Finally in retail, Glenrothes has bid farewell to Caledonia Kilts, following the retirement of its long-serving owner, Davy Elder, affectionately known as the ‘Glenrothes kilt man.’ After two decades of serving families with Scottish dress and kilt hire, the closure marks the end of an era for this local institution. Culinary Landscape: New Tastes and Departures
The region’s food and drink sector is also undergoing significant changes. Fast-food enthusiasts may soon have a new option in Dundee, as American chain Wendy’s advances its plans for a Reform Street location. Reports suggest the restaurant will operate seven days a week and create approximately 40 local jobs.
In Dunfermline, a former Nationwide bank branch on Carnegie Avenue is set for a caffeine-infused transformation, with plans submitted to Fife Council to convert it into a Starbucks drive-thru. Meanwhile, chicken wing specialist Wingstop is also eyeing Dunfermline, with its UK franchisee, London-based Lemon Pepper Holdings, submitting a building warrant application for a new outlet at Fife Leisure Park.
Sadly, Kirkcaldy’s Puddledub butcher, once celebrated as ‘Scotland’s Best Small Butcher’ at the British Butchery Awards, has closed its doors permanently. A planned sale of the business, which opened in 2021 and offered a range of cured, cooked, smoked, and fresh meat products, ultimately fell through, a blow to local food lovers.
In Perth, a major shift is underway at St Catherine’s Retail Park. The Tim Hortons branch, which has been a fixture since August 2021, has ceased operations. Its closure paves the way for exciting new plans, as proposals have been lodged to bring a Taco Bell to the same unit, offering a different flavour of fast food to Perth residents. Hotel Sector: Sales and New Management
The hotel industry in the wider region has also seen activity. In Dundee, the Travelodge on Strathmore Avenue is on the market with a price tag of £2.4 million. Despite the sale, management has confirmed that the 68-bedroom hotel will continue to operate as usual, providing continuity for visitors to the city.
Further north, in Pitlochry, the unique Saorsa 1875, known as the ‘UK’s first vegan hotel,’ has closed after seven years. The ‘100% plant-based’ establishment on East Moulin Road has been acquired by Birchwood Pitlochry and will continue to operate as a hotel, albeit under new ownership and possibly a new ethos. Nightlife Revival in Dunfermline
Finally, Dunfermline’s nightlife is set for a boost with the much-anticipated reopening of Lourenzos nightclub. The venue, which has been shut for over two years following a devastating fire at the adjacent Khushi’s restaurant in April 2023, will host a Halloween party on November 1 to mark its return. This news will undoubtedly be welcomed by those looking for entertainment options in the Fife town.
These developments collectively paint a picture of ongoing change and adaptation within the high streets and commercial hubs surrounding Perth and Kinross. As new businesses emerge and others adapt or close, our region continues to evolve, offering new services and reflecting broader economic trends.