Appeal for charity organiser

POPPYSCOTLAND fears funds raised in Kirkcaldy will dwindle unless it can find a new local organiser.

It needs someone to lead the annual poppy pin sale in the area to raise money to support veterans and serving members of the armed forces and their families in need.

The charity has a 420-strong team of area organisers covering Scotland but the Lang Toun position is vacant.

Head of fundraising Gordon Michie said: “We’re looking for individuals, groups of friends or community organisations that have good organisational skills to step forward to lead this year’s appeal in Kirkcaldy.

“Last year £13,000 was raised in the area but without your help we will struggle to collect even a fraction of that amount.

“The money raised from the annual Poppy Appeal enables us to provide lifechanging support to those affected by many issues including poverty, mental health problems and disability.” Plans have been lodged to convert a former charity shop, above, into two new units.

Dundee architect Jon Frullani has submitted proposals to the planning department which could see the premises at 9-10 Dock Street split into two units.

The two newly-created units would subsequently become a bespoke furniture showroom and a postal supplies and courier delivery store.

The planning application has been made on behalf of Chamber Support Services Ltd.

Speaking to the Tele, Mr Frullani said the Dock Street units benefited from an “excellent location” for the interested parties.

He added: “This used to be a charity shop, then a dog food shop and was also a hot tub showroom at some point.

“Part of the development will be a Mail Boxes Etc shop.

“They are coming to the end of their lease in Union Street and will be coming down here.

“There’s also going to be a bespoke furniture showroom but we are still sorting out who will be taking that on.

A FORMER charity shop, pet food store and hot tub showroom could be split into two new retail outlets under plans submitted to Dundee City Council.

“It’s a great building in an excellent location.”

As part of the plans, the combined units will have a permanent dividing wall installed to meet building regulations.

Mr Frullani added: “It is great to have the south-facing location facing on to the Waterfront.

“It is also pretty close to the city centre and it will have a good amount of footfall — it’s ideal.” The Dock Street units, beside the Malmaison hotel, were once the home of a Carolina House Trust shop.

The store opened in March 2006, selling various goods to support the charity, which helps vulnerable children and young people with care services and fostering.

It was so well-supported i n the first seven months of opening that it added Saturdays to its Monday to Friday opening hours during the latter stages of its lease

However, the charity was only given permission to use the shop for 12 months and a request to extend the lease, initially filed by the store, was withdrawn early in 2007.

The unit subsequently became a hot tub showroom for the Arctic Spas chain and was latterly The Dog Food Shop, selling pet supplies. Jon Frullani