PUPILS from Cowdenbeath’s Beath High are competing in a new initiative to win a support package worth up to £85,000 for starting a new business in Dunfermline.

Last week saw the launch of Venture Street, a new idea to transform one of Dunfermline’s less vibrant areas into a busy shopping street, just in time for the festive period.

For the next six weeks, young businessmen and women will move into the town’s Bruce Street and make their mark on the area by rolling up the shutters and selling their own products.

From arts and crafts to fashion and food, there is set to be a diverse and appealing mix of businesses to liven up the quiet street and draw people to the area.

The budding entrepreneurs are given rent-free premises to run their own business and try to come out on top. Beath High School will have students representing them in two shops - Cre8tive Christmas, which will sell hand-made Christmas decorations and gifts; and Infinity Design, which will also sell hand-crafted products.

A special reception last Thursday evening at the City Chambers, saw the Beath High pupils give a short presentation about their business to the guests in attendance. Fife Provost, and former Beath High pupil, Jim Leishman, officially launched the initiative, while business people and Lesley :aird, depute leader of the council was also there to lend support (see left).

Alan Mutter, vice-chair of Dunfermline Delivers, thinks the launch was a great way to kick off the exciting new project.

“It went very well”, he said. “All the participants attended and there was an air of excitement. They’ve all been getting their keys, the finishing touches have been put on the units and they are ready to start. The participants made short introductions to their businesses and they were all very well received. They were given words of encouragement and it’s all looking very promising. I’m very much looking forward to it.”