IT WAS the end of an era at one West Fife dentist this week when its owner retired after more than 30 years at the practice.

Alison Hughes has been at the helm at Kincardine Dental Practice – the only dental surgery in the village – since 1996.

She is being replaced by Dr Charles Parsons who has had practices previously in the UK and South Africa.

For Alison, the last three decades has seen many changes. “After purchasing the practice in May 1996, I refitted the reception area, re-equipped the main surgery and subsequently fitted a second surgery, a dedicated decontamination room, and a computerised practice management system," she said.

"This allowed the practice to grow, to take on an associate, and to see more patients.

“I decided to sell the business and retire after 38 years of dentistry as I want to have new adventures with my husband whilst we still can!"

The sale of the practice to Dr Parsons was handled by Christie and Co.

Their business agent, Joel Mannix, said: “I couldn’t be happier with how this deal panned out. After several viewings in late 2019/early 2020, we were delayed by the pandemic but, amid the disruption, I introduced Dr Parsons, who is a perfect fit for the practice, sharing a lot of the ethos that Dr Hughes has as well as his willingness to engage with the community as the only dentist in the village.

"I wish Alison all the best in retirement and Charles the best in his future endeavours.”

Craig Dickson, from Christie Finance, added, “Charles is an experienced dentist well-versed in all aspects of general dentistry and has only recently returned to the UK after living in South Africa for a number of years.

"I wish him the very best moving forward.”