THE Abbot House coffee shop is now open for business as it joins an array of shops and activities in the heritage centre.

Blend Coffee Lounge has taken up residence next to the gift shop and 'Home Guard' GoEscape room.

Louise Hutchison, operations manager for Abbot House, told the Press: "We did a soft launch on Wednesday because all the staff and equipment are new. That went well and then we did a proper launch on Thursday and it was such a beautiful day that it was heaving!

"We got lots of really nice feedback and people coming in and thanking us, especially older people, for getting the place open again for them to come and sit in the garden."

The coffee shop will be brewing up from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 4pm, serving teas, coffees and cakes to the community.

"People have been waiting a long time for this to happen so it's good that we have actually been able to see the project through because it has been pretty challenging with lockdown," Louise continued. "But it's good, we've managed to get it done and get it open.

"The whole thing about Blend and the reason that we wanted them to be a part of Abbot House is that it was more than just a business and numbers, they're very about creating a campfire in the community. That means using the tea and coffee as a way of getting together with people, its more the company that's important."

Louise added that they plan to keep adding to the amenities on offer and educate and engage Dunfermline in the history that the oldest house in Scotland's newest city has to offer.

Louise dreams: "I want people to wake up at the weekend and say, 'Right, let's take the dog for a walk in the Glen and then go to Abbot House and walk around the heritage quarter.' We're hoping this will give people a bit of a destination to go to. There's nothing like it!"