A FISH and chip shop in Drongan has been nominated for Ayrshire Retailer of the Year at this year’s Scottish Business Awards thanks to their hard work, loyal staff and generous customers.

Ian Bradford, owner of Bradys Fish and Chip Shop on Mill of Shield Road, was delighted to receive a letter through the door informing him of the shop’s nomination.

Although he admits that he is none the wiser about the award process, Ian says he is proud of the family business and is indebted to its clientele for continuously supporting the shop throughout the pandemic and during its many changes, such as recently opening a dessert counter.

Ian said: “It’s the customers that keep you going. If it wasn’t for them coming in, we wouldn’t be here so we can’t thank them for coming for their fish supper.

“I was shut this time last year when the pandemic started in March. We were shut for nearly four weeks as we couldn’t get our supplies but we’ve been operating nearly as normal since then.

“It’s certainly been quieter and not as busy but most people are on furlough and haven’t got full time wages so aren’t eating out as much.

Cumnock Chronicle:

“It’s a shame because the customers have to wait outside for their food so aren’t coming in for a chat.

“You’re not speaking to the regulars who come in on a Saturday night for a blether about the football results or different things so we do miss that interaction with our customers because it’s human nature.”

Ian says the dessert counter has gone down a treat with people as it is the only ice cream shop in the village.

He continued: “We opened two weeks ago so got a bit of work done to the shop and opened up a counter selling ice cream, waffles and cookie doughs. It seems to be doing quite good.”

To vote for Bradys, click here