Must Be Crackers is a cornucopia of cheesy delights, where a warm welcome and tasty treats always awaits, right in the centre of Dunfermline. The ever charming Aileen opened this unique wee shop, packed full of carefully sourced ingredients, with the hope of inspiring local folks to get cooking. Lucky locals can also pick up everything they need for the cheeseboard of dreams.

1.Tell us about the genesis of Must Be Crackers and what you do

I held the keys to what once was a wee haberdashery shop at no. 61 High Street, Dunfermline. I still own & run that business, now further down the street while no. 61 lay empty for a year. So, one evening (over a couple of glasses of wine), I hatched a plan with my husband Tristan, his brother Michael, and my sister-in-law Kirstie, to open a fancy food shop. People will think “we Must Be Crackers” I said, and the name stuck. So, we used our combined DIY skills to completely renovate the space, filled it with crackers (amongst other things!) and the rest as they say, is history! We are all about great food, thoughtfully sourced. We have a shop full of tasty products from biscuits to crackers, fresh bread, condiments & pickles, spices, cereals and meal solutions, and of course a beautiful cheese counter.

2. What is the food scene like in Dunfermline and your what sort of customer base do you have?

Our Dunfermline customers are a surprise to some, but not to us! We knew full well that, like us, there was a desperate need for elevated food shopping here. A choice, where supermarkets can co-exist alongside a little luxury. Our customers care about quality a great deal, and on one hand we have a strong community of health food enthusiasts whilst the rest (me included) could eat their body-weight in cheese! Dunfermline City is a right old mixed bag of expectations, and you’ll often hear me joke that “in Dunfermline we like fancy, but not too fancy!”.

3. You put a lot of effort into your sourcing - what are your guiding principles and favourite products?

It’s all about balance for us. We want to be mindful of how everything we sell is produced, packaged and transported so we start with local & greater Scotland, moving to British and Irish producers. And then we add continental choices where needed. It’s got to be tasty, it’s got to be great quality. No compromises. Yes that often comes at a higher cost, but I want to see every producer being paid properly too.

4. Why do you use Greencity Wholefoods as a wholesaler?

Because you make my life better! The accounts department are helpful, always with a kind nudge in the right direction. The sales team are always informative and keep me in check with good information and updates on any missing items. And the delivery drivers never fail to, well, deliver! Yes, it’s about trusting your business and product ethos too, but people are what make it great. And in busy retail that’s exactly what I need.

5. If you could invite three people to a dinner party who would they be, and why?

Ooh, it would have to be 4 if I can? My grandparents. They all sadly passed away when I was in my teens and early 20’s, but I would love to hear what they have to say about my journey in life and business. I’m pretty sure both my grandmothers were just as opinionated as I am!

6. What are your plans for the future?

To be here for a very long time. Simple as that! We are committed to this, we’re not just “giving it a go”. But with that comes a great chance to work with the seasons, to see what the next season brings and to adjust our approach accordingly. I love retail done well, and I want to keep on doing my best at Must Be Crackers.

Thanks to Aileen for answering our questions! Find out more about Must Be Crackers by visiting them in Dunfirmline or online at www.mustbecrackers.co.uk