A LOCHGELLY man has found his groove again after opening up a vintage clothing, vinyl, art and collectibles shop.

David Hopkins, a man of music and sound engineer by trade, is welcoming customers to Emperor’s Attic on Lochgelly’s Main Street after taking a leap of faith.

Unemployed and searching for answers just months ago, he now finds himself with a smile on his face and a business of his own.

“I was wondering what I was going to do with my life,” he told the Times.

“I was evaluating where my life was heading, and I started asking myself some big questions.

“So, if you had told me six months ago that I would now have a business of my own, and was standing on my own two feet and being my own boss, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“Nobody has had an easy ride through the pandemic, but I feel lucky to have found that get up and go spirit that I thought I would never get back.

“Having this and working towards this has made a huge personal difference.”

David’s vision for Emperor’s Attic is simple, he says.

“I want this place to be what has been missed over the years,” David commented.

“I’m doing what I love here, and I want everyone and anyone to come in and spend some time here. You can browse records, see what’s on the rails, have a chat and just relax.

“I think we’re all missing places like this. I want Emperor’s Attic to be part of the community, maybe even a hub. Please, come along and have a good time here.”

By his Facebook page’s definition, the shop will sell “vintage and used clothing, music, local art, musical instruments, gadgets and collectables”.

Any customer who walks through the front door will see a treasure trove of items, as well as his own scooter and record deck.

He opened up on Thursday, and told the Times that he achieved his daily sales target within 40 minutes of opening his doors.

“I have to thank my friends and family for their support, as I wouldn’t be here without them,” the 45-year-old added.

“I’ve worked in music retail for 23 years, and I’m now doing this for myself and it really feels brilliant to say that.

“The coach at Cowdenbeath JobCentre asked me about my passions, and guided me towards starting my own enterprise and taking that chance.

“BRAG Enterprises were a huge help to me as well, and once my business plan was accepted, I got the keys and was desperate to open.”

Anything not sold in the shop, at 39 Main Street, will be listed on his eBay page, of the same name.