YOU'LL find their work in homes and offices across West Fife but this week marks the end of an era for one businessman.

Gordon McKissock has been at the helm of McKissocks Carpets in Dickson Street for the last 12 years but passed on the mantle to colleague Paul Ward on Friday.

The family firm has had a presence in the town for more than half a century. Gordon first started working with his dad at the age of 15 before moving onto other jobs in the trade.

McKissocks was bought by a Glasgow-based firm in the 1980s but Gordon decided to buy it back in 2005. His wife Lynne, who is also retiring, joined him after leaving her teaching career.

“I have mixed feelings about finishing up but that's me done 50 years in the carpet trade,” he said. “I took it back into the family about 12 years ago and we have run it ever since. 

“It's been great, the company has gone from strength to strength, even against the big firms, and that's down to our honesty, pricing and the loyalty of staff.

“Paul is taking over and he has been working with us for the last 10 years. His mother worked for my father as a Saturday girl back in around 1965.”

Gordon and Lynne, who live in Limekilns, will enjoy their spare time and he said: “We are going to have the odd holiday and are planning to move house as well so that will keep us busy. We like the odd cruise so will be doing that as well.”