A desperate social media bid to save a star attraction in a Kirkcaldy shop has paid dividends after members of the community rallied round to help.
Shoppers at the Mercat Centre demonstrated their love of the shop window display in response to staff at The Present Shop’s plea to help restore the motorised clown, which has had pride of place in the window for 20 years.
The clown, which has delighted thousands of visitors as it climbs up and swings on its trapeze, broke down in November, prompting store owner Jim Collins to appeal for assistance on the shop’s Facebook page.
With the clown’s motor apparently out of action for good, Jim learned the German company that originally manufactured the part ceased trading five years ago.
However, after the social media post was shared by more than 1,200 people and reached in excess of 100,000 across the world, two people came forward to say they could source a new motor from China and adapt it to the specific measurements of the clown.
Jim said the interest had been staggering.
“We have been overwhelmed with the response and the memories it has evoked for many of our customers.
“To show our gratitude, we donated £100 to the local foodbank.”
The Mercat community was thrilled that the clown was restored, taking to social media to share favourite memories.
One shopper remembered how her daughters would “run around the clown and stand for ages, saying ‘one more time mummy’, and then laugh as he flips over again”.
Another shopper said: “I used to love watching this clown doing its acrobats with my granddaughter. Welcome back Mr Clown.”
Stephen Roberts, centre manager at Mercat Shopping Centre, said he is delighted to see the clown back up and running after the community spirit shown by local shoppers.
“The Present Shop has been a fixture at Mercat for a long time now, and the clown has always been a favourite of mine, too,” he said.
“It’s so wonderful to see members of the public coming together during a time of need to help Jim and the store restore the clown to its former glory.”
