The high streets across Perth and Kinross, and the wider Tayside, Fife, and Stirling areas, are currently experiencing a dynamic period marked by both exciting new openings and challenging closures. This ongoing transformation reflects broader economic pressures and evolving consumer habits, impacting everything from local pubs to luxury hotels.
In Leven, a town within the broader Fife region, the Scoonie Tavern is preparing for a fresh start under new management. This traditional establishment, formerly known as the Den Inn, briefly closed its doors in May, less than a year after undergoing an extensive half-million-pound refurbishment in September 2024. The latest handover signifies ongoing efforts to revitalise this community hub, aiming to draw back patrons and contribute to the local social scene. Dining Scene Shifts Across the Region
The culinary landscape is also seeing notable shifts. Stirling is soon to welcome another outlet of the popular bakery chain, Greggs. Set to open its doors this month on Borrowmeadow Road, adjacent to a Starbucks, this new location adds to Greggs’ existing presence in the city, which includes branches at the Thistles Shopping Centre, Kildean, MOTO Stirling, and Springkerse. The expansion underscores the continued demand for quick, convenient food options in bustling trade parks. In contrast, economic headwinds have led to closures elsewhere. In Arbroath, the vibrant Latin American and Mexican eatery, San Diego, recently ceased operations on August 3rd. Having only opened months prior in the premises of a former fish and chip shop on Ladybridge Street, the owners cited a lack of footfall, describing Arbroath as having become ‘too quiet’. This unfortunate closure highlights the significant challenges faced by independent restaurants in the current climate.
Further into Angus, just a short distance from Dundee, the prestigious Forbes of Kingennie resort has welcomed former army chef Kieran Turner as its new head chef. The 33-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having previously managed the Angus Grill and Larder near the A90 close to Brechin. His appointment promises to inject fresh culinary vision into the resort’s offerings, enhancing the region’s fine dining options. Meanwhile, Stirling’s popular Gabe’s Diner, situated in Forthside Park, recently concluded its 15-year run due to escalating operational costs. This closure is a stark reminder of the financial pressures that continue to impact even well-established local eateries. Retail and Shopping Innovations
The retail sector is witnessing a mix of innovative new concepts and strategic business moves. Dundee’s Wellgate Shopping Centre now hosts ‘Tranquillity,’ a unique holistic and witchcraft shop that opened its doors on July 21st. Owner Scott Campbell, who previously operated the shop for 15 years in the Keiller Centre, has brought his distinctive offerings to a more prominent location, reflecting a growing interest in niche retail experiences within city centres. Another long-standing Angus electrical retailer, Colin M Smith, is set to expand its footprint in Dundee, with plans to open a new store at Hawkhill Court in October. This move comes after the business closed its Kirriemuir shop earlier in May, following 65 years of trading there, though its Arbroath and Forfar outlets remain operational. This demonstrates the adaptation of traditional businesses to changing market dynamics.
Dundee is also seeing the arrival of diverse food options, with Rahman’s Supermarket preparing to launch a new world foods store in mid-August. This supermarket is set to occupy a former TSB bank branch on Strathmartine Road, showcasing how disused commercial spaces are being repurposed to meet community needs. In Arbroath, local bakery institution Pie Bob’s marked its 100th anniversary by opening an additional shop in the town. Under the Elford family’s ownership for the past 25 years, the bakery has grown from a single site on Grant Road to three successful premises, a testament to enduring local enterprises. Stirling’s Thistles Shopping Centre is also attracting new international brands; the Dutch lifestyle brand Rituals is poised to open a new beauty and wellness shop on August 8th, offering a wide array of bath, body, and fragrance products to shoppers.
However, the retail landscape in Perth has also faced recent challenges. The British Heart Foundation’s home store in Perth’s Inveralmond Retail Park is slated for closure on August 14th. This decision follows unsuccessful plans to relocate the charity shop to St Catherine’s Retail Park, highlighting the difficulties faced by charitable organisations in maintaining a high street presence amidst rising costs and competitive retail environments. Local residents in Perth and Kinross are encouraged to support remaining local businesses and charity shops to ensure their continued vitality. Hospitality Sector Updates
The hospitality sector continues to evolve, particularly in areas like St Andrews known for their tourism appeal. Plans have been submitted for a significant £20 million investment to transform the former Gibson House Care Home on Argyle Street into a five-star luxury hotel. The Scotsman Group, behind this ambitious project, aims to create a ‘deluxe destination hotel’ in the historic town, signalling a continued focus on high-end tourism and contributing to the region’s reputation as a premier destination for visitors seeking exceptional experiences.
These developments collectively paint a picture of a region in flux, where local businesses and larger chains alike are navigating a complex economic environment. For residents across Perth and Kinross, and the broader Tayside, Fife, and Stirling areas, these changes reshape shopping habits, dining experiences, and local amenities, making community support more crucial than ever for the resilience of our high streets.
In Leven, a town within the broader Fife region, the Scoonie Tavern is preparing for a fresh start under new management. This traditional establishment, formerly known as the Den Inn, briefly closed its doors in May, less than a year after undergoing an extensive half-million-pound refurbishment in September 2024. The latest handover signifies ongoing efforts to revitalise this community hub, aiming to draw back patrons and contribute to the local social scene. Dining Scene Shifts Across the Region
The culinary landscape is also seeing notable shifts. Stirling is soon to welcome another outlet of the popular bakery chain, Greggs. Set to open its doors this month on Borrowmeadow Road, adjacent to a Starbucks, this new location adds to Greggs’ existing presence in the city, which includes branches at the Thistles Shopping Centre, Kildean, MOTO Stirling, and Springkerse. The expansion underscores the continued demand for quick, convenient food options in bustling trade parks. In contrast, economic headwinds have led to closures elsewhere. In Arbroath, the vibrant Latin American and Mexican eatery, San Diego, recently ceased operations on August 3rd. Having only opened months prior in the premises of a former fish and chip shop on Ladybridge Street, the owners cited a lack of footfall, describing Arbroath as having become ‘too quiet’. This unfortunate closure highlights the significant challenges faced by independent restaurants in the current climate.
Further into Angus, just a short distance from Dundee, the prestigious Forbes of Kingennie resort has welcomed former army chef Kieran Turner as its new head chef. The 33-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having previously managed the Angus Grill and Larder near the A90 close to Brechin. His appointment promises to inject fresh culinary vision into the resort’s offerings, enhancing the region’s fine dining options. Meanwhile, Stirling’s popular Gabe’s Diner, situated in Forthside Park, recently concluded its 15-year run due to escalating operational costs. This closure is a stark reminder of the financial pressures that continue to impact even well-established local eateries. Retail and Shopping Innovations
The retail sector is witnessing a mix of innovative new concepts and strategic business moves. Dundee’s Wellgate Shopping Centre now hosts ‘Tranquillity,’ a unique holistic and witchcraft shop that opened its doors on July 21st. Owner Scott Campbell, who previously operated the shop for 15 years in the Keiller Centre, has brought his distinctive offerings to a more prominent location, reflecting a growing interest in niche retail experiences within city centres. Another long-standing Angus electrical retailer, Colin M Smith, is set to expand its footprint in Dundee, with plans to open a new store at Hawkhill Court in October. This move comes after the business closed its Kirriemuir shop earlier in May, following 65 years of trading there, though its Arbroath and Forfar outlets remain operational. This demonstrates the adaptation of traditional businesses to changing market dynamics.
Dundee is also seeing the arrival of diverse food options, with Rahman’s Supermarket preparing to launch a new world foods store in mid-August. This supermarket is set to occupy a former TSB bank branch on Strathmartine Road, showcasing how disused commercial spaces are being repurposed to meet community needs. In Arbroath, local bakery institution Pie Bob’s marked its 100th anniversary by opening an additional shop in the town. Under the Elford family’s ownership for the past 25 years, the bakery has grown from a single site on Grant Road to three successful premises, a testament to enduring local enterprises. Stirling’s Thistles Shopping Centre is also attracting new international brands; the Dutch lifestyle brand Rituals is poised to open a new beauty and wellness shop on August 8th, offering a wide array of bath, body, and fragrance products to shoppers.
However, the retail landscape in Perth has also faced recent challenges. The British Heart Foundation’s home store in Perth’s Inveralmond Retail Park is slated for closure on August 14th. This decision follows unsuccessful plans to relocate the charity shop to St Catherine’s Retail Park, highlighting the difficulties faced by charitable organisations in maintaining a high street presence amidst rising costs and competitive retail environments. Local residents in Perth and Kinross are encouraged to support remaining local businesses and charity shops to ensure their continued vitality. Hospitality Sector Updates
The hospitality sector continues to evolve, particularly in areas like St Andrews known for their tourism appeal. Plans have been submitted for a significant £20 million investment to transform the former Gibson House Care Home on Argyle Street into a five-star luxury hotel. The Scotsman Group, behind this ambitious project, aims to create a ‘deluxe destination hotel’ in the historic town, signalling a continued focus on high-end tourism and contributing to the region’s reputation as a premier destination for visitors seeking exceptional experiences.
These developments collectively paint a picture of a region in flux, where local businesses and larger chains alike are navigating a complex economic environment. For residents across Perth and Kinross, and the broader Tayside, Fife, and Stirling areas, these changes reshape shopping habits, dining experiences, and local amenities, making community support more crucial than ever for the resilience of our high streets.