THERE are plans to convert Macbeth Currie’s old offices in Dunfermline town centre into nine flats and a shop following the firm’s merger. 

The estate agents and solicitors joined forces with Morgan’s in September and the listed building they occupied, at 38 High Street, next to the gap site and path to the bus station, is now vacant. 

It’s been bought by Blairston Investments Ltd, of Edinburgh, and a planning application has been submitted to Fife Council seeking permission to convert the ground floor into a retail space with residential accommodation above. 

Designed in 1902 for the Clydesdale Bank – the old sign is still faintly visible – by Baird and Thompson of Glasgow, 38 High Street is a category C-listed building and a local example of the traditional ‘banking palazzo’. 

A planning statement on behalf of Blairston Investments continued: “As such it is a valued part of Dunfermline’s retail history. 

“It is important that a way is found of retaining it and it avoid the fate (demolition!) of the Co-op building on the adjacent site.”

The Clydesdale relocated further up High Street and the building was sold to Macbeth Currie. They operated a property office on the ground floor and legal offices above but the ground floor has been empty for a while and, following the merger with Morgan’s, the lawyers have now vacated the premises above. 

The statement added: “Internet shopping is having a profound effect on the High Street and existing uses and configurations are having to be rethought to keep the High Street viable.

"The premises were on the market for over two years and no purchasers interested in the current use were found.”

The building has three storeys and an attic and, if approved, there will be a two-bedroom flat on the top floor with the other eight flats all single-bedroom. There would be a separate shop entrance.