A COWDENBEATH funeral director started 2022 with disaster but ended it with the acquisition of a new business.

The Times previously told you that Colin Sneddon Funeral Directors was targeted on New Year's Day, with his mortuary broken into.

As the bells struck midnight, the alarm sounded at his premises at Woodend Industrial Estate.

The outside door was kicked in, as was the internal door for the mortuary, but thankfully nothing was stolen and there were no deceased in the room at the time of the break-in.

The sickening start to the year was thankfully bookended with success as after winning Funeral Director of the Year for Fife at the Prestige Awards, a move has been made to acquire Brunton Funeral Directors in Leven.

Speaking to the Times, Colin said that it is "an absolute privilege" to have acquired the family-run business.

"Mr (Neil) Brunton did not want to just sell his business to anyone, he wanted to sell it to a like-minded person with the same values that he has had," Colin remarked.

"I was intrigued by what was on offer, and it's always been a dream of mine to have a second parlour.

"I just never had the chance before.

"When this came up, I knew I had to grab it by the horns. It's an exciting time to grow the business.

"It's great to expand into another area and the response has been good so far from the community."

New signage at the Leven site on Station Road will soon be installed to reflect the name change as Colin puts his stamp on the business.

Reflecting on the year, Colin joked: "It's been some year, eh?

"The year started with a break-in at the mortuary, but it has gone from strength to strength ever since."

In a social media post confirming the sale, Colin said: "We are very happy to announce that we have just expanded our business by taking over Brunton Funeral Directors based in Leven in addition to our parlour in Cowdenbeath.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Neil and Nyree Brunton for putting their trust in us taking over the business they have built up over 45 years and to wish them all the very best as they hang up their top hat and tails for the very last time and take on new adventures."