The dynamic landscape of retail and hospitality across Tayside, Fife, and Stirling continues to evolve, bringing a blend of new opportunities and closures, with significant developments directly impacting Perth and Kinross. From shopping centre changes to exciting new culinary ventures, local communities are experiencing a period of considerable transformation. Retail Transformations in Perth and Beyond
One notable change affecting our local community is the closure of a prominent health and beauty retailer. The branch of Bodycare located within Perth’s St John’s Shopping Centre has ceased operations, following the company’s entry into administration. This development mirrors closures at other regional shopping hubs, including Dundee’s Overgate Centre and Kirkcaldy’s Mercat Shopping Centre, highlighting broader challenges faced by traditional high street retailers.
Looking ahead, exciting plans are emerging for Perth’s culinary scene. A popular quick-service restaurant chain is reportedly planning to open a new drive-thru outlet in Perth, taking over a site previously occupied by a coffee and donut establishment. This potential arrival could offer fresh dining options and create new job opportunities within the city, reflecting an ongoing trend towards convenient, accessible food services.
Meanwhile, in the wider Tayside area, various retail transitions are underway. In Forfar, a former convenience store is being eyed for a dual transformation into an Indian takeaway and a barbershop, signaling innovative repurposing of vacant commercial properties. Brechin is set to bid farewell to Les Turriff Florist, a beloved local institution that has served the community for over four decades, concluding an era of dedicated service.
Further afield, the retail sector in Stirling is also seeing activity. A prominent furniture retailer, Furniture Village, is considering a substantial investment of nearly £1 million to establish a new presence at Springkerse Retail Park, in the former premises of a carpet and flooring store. This move indicates continued confidence in out-of-town retail parks for larger home furnishings businesses.
Dundee is experiencing its own share of shifts, with an interiors firm, Spaces Taylored, embarking on an ambitious project to convert a long-vacant building near City Quay into a modern design hub and showroom. Additionally, a well-known health and beauty chain, Superdrug, is seeking approval to open a new store at Gallagher Retail Park, taking over a unit previously occupied by a clothing retailer. Dining and Leisure: New Flavours and Closures
The food and beverage sector in our region is also in constant flux. In Perthshire, the renowned Cromlix Hotel, co-owned by Scottish tennis star Sir Andy Murray and his wife Kim, has unveiled new imagery for a planned restaurant extension. This highly anticipated addition is slated to open its doors in May 2026, promising an enhanced fine-dining experience for guests and visitors to the Dunblane area.
Another significant development in Perthshire’s hospitality industry is the recent acquisition of the five-star Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Kinloch Rannoch. This luxury establishment was purchased by Loch Rannoch Estate Limited, operators of the nearby Loch Rannoch Hotel, Spa and Estate, following a period of administration for its previous owner. The acquisition safeguards the future of this key local employer and tourist destination, which had faced considerable debt challenges.
Beyond Perthshire, Dundee city centre has seen the closure of Little Things Cafe on Reform Street after six years, adding to a series of recent departures from that particular thoroughfare. In Broughty Ferry, the former Sandbanks Brasserie, which closed earlier this year, is set to be transformed into a Pilates studio, marking a shift from dining to wellness services.
Stirling’s Thistles Shopping Centre recently saw the closure of an American bakery kiosk, less than a year after its grand opening. Similarly, a popular international takeaway chain on Murray Place in Stirling has permanently ceased operations, with its premises now being advertised for let. These changes reflect the competitive nature of the quick-service food market.
Meanwhile, in St Andrews, a takeaway establishment is undergoing a rebranding initiative. The new owner of what was previously known as ‘Big Boss’ is changing its name to ‘Birdies’ to create a clear distinction from its former operator, who was convicted of a serious offense. This move aims to restore public trust and establish a fresh identity for the business on Bell Street. Additionally, in Dundee, Brodie’s takeaway on Bell Street, a long-standing favourite among students and school pupils for 17 years, has been put up for sale, indicating another potential change in the city’s takeaway scene.
Overall, the high streets and retail parks of Perth and Kinross, alongside neighbouring regions, are navigating a complex period of adaptation. While some established businesses face economic pressures leading to closures, there is a consistent emergence of new ventures and strategic investments, demonstrating resilience and an ongoing evolution in how communities engage with local commerce.
One notable change affecting our local community is the closure of a prominent health and beauty retailer. The branch of Bodycare located within Perth’s St John’s Shopping Centre has ceased operations, following the company’s entry into administration. This development mirrors closures at other regional shopping hubs, including Dundee’s Overgate Centre and Kirkcaldy’s Mercat Shopping Centre, highlighting broader challenges faced by traditional high street retailers.
Looking ahead, exciting plans are emerging for Perth’s culinary scene. A popular quick-service restaurant chain is reportedly planning to open a new drive-thru outlet in Perth, taking over a site previously occupied by a coffee and donut establishment. This potential arrival could offer fresh dining options and create new job opportunities within the city, reflecting an ongoing trend towards convenient, accessible food services.
Meanwhile, in the wider Tayside area, various retail transitions are underway. In Forfar, a former convenience store is being eyed for a dual transformation into an Indian takeaway and a barbershop, signaling innovative repurposing of vacant commercial properties. Brechin is set to bid farewell to Les Turriff Florist, a beloved local institution that has served the community for over four decades, concluding an era of dedicated service.
Further afield, the retail sector in Stirling is also seeing activity. A prominent furniture retailer, Furniture Village, is considering a substantial investment of nearly £1 million to establish a new presence at Springkerse Retail Park, in the former premises of a carpet and flooring store. This move indicates continued confidence in out-of-town retail parks for larger home furnishings businesses.
Dundee is experiencing its own share of shifts, with an interiors firm, Spaces Taylored, embarking on an ambitious project to convert a long-vacant building near City Quay into a modern design hub and showroom. Additionally, a well-known health and beauty chain, Superdrug, is seeking approval to open a new store at Gallagher Retail Park, taking over a unit previously occupied by a clothing retailer. Dining and Leisure: New Flavours and Closures
The food and beverage sector in our region is also in constant flux. In Perthshire, the renowned Cromlix Hotel, co-owned by Scottish tennis star Sir Andy Murray and his wife Kim, has unveiled new imagery for a planned restaurant extension. This highly anticipated addition is slated to open its doors in May 2026, promising an enhanced fine-dining experience for guests and visitors to the Dunblane area.
Another significant development in Perthshire’s hospitality industry is the recent acquisition of the five-star Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Kinloch Rannoch. This luxury establishment was purchased by Loch Rannoch Estate Limited, operators of the nearby Loch Rannoch Hotel, Spa and Estate, following a period of administration for its previous owner. The acquisition safeguards the future of this key local employer and tourist destination, which had faced considerable debt challenges.
Beyond Perthshire, Dundee city centre has seen the closure of Little Things Cafe on Reform Street after six years, adding to a series of recent departures from that particular thoroughfare. In Broughty Ferry, the former Sandbanks Brasserie, which closed earlier this year, is set to be transformed into a Pilates studio, marking a shift from dining to wellness services.
Stirling’s Thistles Shopping Centre recently saw the closure of an American bakery kiosk, less than a year after its grand opening. Similarly, a popular international takeaway chain on Murray Place in Stirling has permanently ceased operations, with its premises now being advertised for let. These changes reflect the competitive nature of the quick-service food market.
Meanwhile, in St Andrews, a takeaway establishment is undergoing a rebranding initiative. The new owner of what was previously known as ‘Big Boss’ is changing its name to ‘Birdies’ to create a clear distinction from its former operator, who was convicted of a serious offense. This move aims to restore public trust and establish a fresh identity for the business on Bell Street. Additionally, in Dundee, Brodie’s takeaway on Bell Street, a long-standing favourite among students and school pupils for 17 years, has been put up for sale, indicating another potential change in the city’s takeaway scene.
Overall, the high streets and retail parks of Perth and Kinross, alongside neighbouring regions, are navigating a complex period of adaptation. While some established businesses face economic pressures leading to closures, there is a consistent emergence of new ventures and strategic investments, demonstrating resilience and an ongoing evolution in how communities engage with local commerce.