A Lumphinnans shop owner can finally go to his job with a smile on his face after 20 years working away from home.

The Caledonian Craft Beer Merchant opened its doors on the Maygate in Dunfermline at the beginning of April - a totally new venture for Colin Gardner who has never previously owned a business.

The former electrician who is passionate about quality beer saw a gap in the market for an independent store in the town strategically placed in the historic quarter.

It's a risk but one that has paid off so far with a high turnover of customers in the store and a list of regulars already.

Colin, 45, told the Press: "Since 1999 I have been working from home, mainly down south but in Norway too.

"I just wanted to come back to Scotland and it's coming up two years now that I've been married so I just wanted some time with my wife.

"I was looking for a business that I was interested in and I have a massive interest in beer!

"There was a real need for an independent beer store here, at the moment you have to go to Edinburgh.

"I now get up with a smile on my face!"

Colin has set up the business with help from his wife Heather Snowie, who he met on a holiday in Canada four years ago.

The couple also run n Airbnb business from a property in Dunfermline town centre alongside this new venture.

"It has been so busy!" Colin explained.

"The reception has been fantastic so I think we have done well.

"I was nervous to think of what it would be like but people want a quality beer.

"There have been lots of changes in Dunfermline and we feel it's really on the up.

"We opened our Airbnb property last year and that has been really successful for us too.

"The Maygate has a lovely sense around it with the history and we thought it would be a great place to come."

Colin has also found welcome support from other independent businesses in the area.

He said: "Setting up a business is challenging but everything has been self-financed.

"My neighbours have been so supportive and the social media has went crazy.

"The comic shop sends over their customers and we're right beside a barber so we knew we'd be in the right place.

"We knew their customers would be into this sort of thing but we've had every demographic in the shop from people in their 20s to their 60s.

"We've had some people come in every day so far!

"We're not selling online and I think people want that personal experience and to see the people that serve them care.

"People want something special and that is where hopefully shops like us come in to play."

The Caledonian Craft Beer Merchant is open Tues-Sun. For more information visit www.thecaledoniancraftbeermerchant.com/