ONE OF Cupar’s last remaining traditional businesses, gents outfitters J. H. Galloway, has just become the latest victim of a trend which is seeing the nation’s high streets lose many familiar faces.

Galloway’s, which occupies the most prominent position of any town centre shop at its place beside the site of the former Mercat Cross, will soon close for good after supplying generations of locals and the wider rural community.

Established in 1858, the business was run by the Galloways for several decades before it came into the hands of the local Peattie family, who had it for over 70 years, and latterly it has been leased by Dunfermline businessman John Imrie.

Yesterday the manager, Steven Penrice, who has worked in the shop for almost 20 years, said the closure had come “out of the blue” for staff but had been brought about by high rent and rates coupled with difficulties caused by roadworks.

“There were problems after the town’s traffic lights were installed, and last year, during major sewer work, the shop’s business was very badly affected.

“Signs were put up outside town warning of traffic problems in Cupar and on some days we stood around doing practically nothing all day.

“People were put off coming into town and now more major roadworks will be taking place within the next few weeks

“The business is a good one but things like this are just killing town centres,” Mr Penrice said.

The closure of Galloway’s comes only a few months after well known gift shop Hendrys, also located right on the Cross, was closed only to lose its retail use and find a new life as a bookmakers.

In recent years Cupar has seen a number of town centre businesses vanish to be replaced by a succession of charity shops and non-retail frontages.