A NORTH Queensferry couple have opened up a brand-new cafe at the Mercat Cross in Culross.

Derek and Sue Rankin have been running their popular Rankin's Cafe and Deli in the village's Main Street for the last nine years but have taken a leap of faith and stepped out to open their second business.

The premises at the Cross in Culross have been in the hands of several different owners in recent years but Derek hopes their established business in North Queensferry will help attract locals to Culross.

Derek told the Press: “We just saw the premises at the Mercat Cross were empty and we thought why not? It’s a great location and when you look out you can see right down the row of old houses.

“We opened last Thursday and the reaction has been very good so far."

He continued: “Culross is a very touristy place but we’re not aiming for them, we are aiming for the locals as they’re your regulars.

“Tourists are an extra bonus.

“We have a good reputation in the area so we hope this will help.”

Rankin’s Cafe and Deli s regularly voted number one for food on Tripadvisor for the area and they have won a Certificate of Excellence every year from the company since it opened.

But before the North Queensferry outlet opened Derek was working in an entirely different field to hospitality.

He said: “I worked in the computer industry for 35 years and I had just had enough.

“So opening a cafe was more of a lifestyle choice even though it’s hard work too!

“Moving forward Sue will be running the cafe in North Queensferry while I have gone over to help with the Culross opening.

“We have another three staff helping me out at Culross too.”