Fife cafe owner fears several will follow in shutting up shop

A Fife cafe owner, whose fledgling business was forced to close because of the impact of the coronavirus, fears scores more will face a similar fate before the crisis is over.

Heather McLean, owner of Crafty Pots, a ceramic cafe and studio in Dalgety Bay, said she was left with no alternative but to cease trading because of the long-term uncertainty over social distancing and post-pandemic restrictions.

The business had proved a popular addition to the community in the 18 months since it opened with trade growing month on month.

Heather said it was ironic that her best month had been in February, just weeks before the virus hit and she was forced to close.

“It’s heartbreaking but the uncertainty of what the future will be has made it a difficult but inevitable decision,” she said.

“Social-distancing measures that are likely to be in place for the foreseeable future meant we had to drastically reduce the number of customers we could accommodate which made reopening unsustainable,” she added.

She said it would have cost £3,000£4,000 to meet social-distancing requirements, on top of the £1,700 monthly rent, and in order to reopen she would have had to let staff go.

“There are just too many uncertainties of how the future will look and that stress was beginning to have an effect on my mental health,” she said.

“It’s the right decision to close before costs and debts began to mount.

“Sadly, I fear many more small businesses will suffer in the coming months.”

Heather said she was now looking at the possibility of launching an alternative mobile business to keep her livelihood going.

The closure announcement has brought widespread disappointment from regular customers and community groups.

Elizabeth Parish, leader of the Dalgety Bay Rainbows group, said it was a “big loss”.

She said: “It’s sad to see Crafty Pots close its doors.

“Dalgety Bay Rainbows enjoyed special evening trips where they would stay open a little later for them to paint.”

Picture: Steve Brown. Heather McLean has had to close Crafty Pots in Dalgety Bay for good.