SATURDAY saw an end of an era on Cowdenbeath High Street when a family butchery firm closed its doors for the last time after 70 years serving customers from the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

Noble's has been a feature on the changing face of the High Street, from the days of when the Co-op was king, through to the modern era with three of Scotland's biggest stores in town.

Brothers Lindsay and Brian Noble have been running the shop for longer than they can remember but both have decided now to close the doors for the last time.

It is not only the many local families who fondly remember Noble's fine butcher's meat, as Cowdenbeath Football Club has had a long connection with the family.

Club director David Allan said this week: "Best wishes from everyone at Cowdenbeath FC to Lindsay Noble and his brother Brian after they announced their retirement and the closure of Noble’s the Butchers with effect from Saturday March 21.

"Noble’s is the longest surviving independent business on Cowdenbeath High Street.

"It was opened by Lindsay and Brian’s father, Jimmy Noble, in April 1950 when he bought out the butchery business of David Bowie, which itself had been in Cowdenbeath for 50 years.

"Jimmy of course was a long time Cowdenbeath FC director and Lindsay remains a shareholder in Cowdenbeath FC."

Added David: "The business has thus been a mainstay of Cowdenbeath High Street for decades and the support given to striking miners in the 1984/85 Miners Strike has never been forgotten.

"It is sad news but we wish Lindsay and Brian a very happy retirement and a hearty thanks from Cowdenbeath FC and its fans for their contribution to our town".