A COWDENBEATH man is Fife’s only chilli sauce producer and is currently exporting to different parts of the world.

Ewen Mackenzie is the owner of Something Different, at 96 High Street in the town, which is the base where his own produce can be accessed and also some of the hottest chilli products available in the UK.

Ewen started his business as a gift shop, but over the past year has seen his chilli production unit become a key element of his business portfolio.

He told the Times:“I started the shop in December 2016 as a gift shop but have now transformed it into 50% gifts and 50% chilli products, making it Fife's only chilli shop with over 100 products.

“I'm also owner and producer of Mack Chilli Ltd chilli products.

“Currently have over 25 of my own creations sauces, jams and chutneys on the shelves, which gave me the incentive to invest into doing up the shop and offering a vast range of chilli products.”

Ewen has always sold hand made wooden gifts but things have been hotting up at Something Different.

He is Fife's only chilli sauce producer and is known as the ‘Red Hot Chilli Fifer’ and also carries the name of ‘The Satanic Scotsman’.

Added Ewen: “Initially I used to take my chilli products to markets in Cumbria, Perth and Edinburgh, but when I decided to change the shop in the town to sell chilli sauces as well as wooden gifts, it has gone well.

“Social media has been a major benefit in getting the word out and I have recently been sending my chilli products to Australia and also have customers in the USA and hopefully this will increase within the next few months”.

Brought up in Lochgelly Ewan now lives in Cowdenbeath and is proud to be Fife’s only chilli producer: “There was another in Cupar a few years back but as far as I know these days there is only me.

“To get the right materials to get the hottest temperature of your produce is important and some come from South Africa.

“Chilli is something that can enhance things such as, cocktails, drinks, ice creams and jams, and I have been pleased at the way some of my own creations have turned out.”

Apart from selling his own chilli creations Ewen also distributes products from major national producers such as Daddy Cool and ‘Chilli of the Valley’ from Wales..

Ewen has also come up with his own special product: “I do claim to make Scotland’s hottest chilli sauce that I call ‘Kamikaze’.

“It really is specially hot but then everyone’s palate is different and you can easily find your favourite temperature.”