Chippies

3. What do you least like about the business?

The rapidly escalating costs. In March 2022, we also supported the industry by teaming up with the National Federations of Fish Friers to launch a nationwide ‘Save Scotland’s Fish & Chip Shops’ campaign.

The price of fish has doubled, energy bills have spiralled, and cooking oil is more expensive than ever. As a result, some of the nation’s fish and chips shops are now struggling for survival.

By teaming up with the National Federation of Fish Friers, we helped to do our bit by encouraging people to support their local fish and chip shop around Scotland during these extremely challenging times.

4. How do you support the local community?

East Coast continues to sponsor and support The Fisherrow and Harbour Seafront Association and Fisherrow Harbour Festival, which was launched in 2018. The Association is now working with East Lothian Council to improve the harbour and seafront in Musselburgh for the benefit of the community, local people and visitors through a series of ongoing fundraising events and voluntary activities just two minutes’ walk from out fish & chips takeaway.

5. What’s the best thing that happens in the fish & chips industry every year?

Being recognised for the consistent quality of our food and service is really important to us year in, year out. East Coast was named the best in Scotland and one of the top 10 in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2022. With an estimated 10,500 chippies across the UK, The Sunday Times singled out East Coast for the nation’s list of top 10 chippies and the only fish and chip shop in Scotland to make the shortlist. The Sunday Times praised the quality and value of our cod, haddock and twice-cooked chips, as well as our Stornoway black pudding fritters. We won many awards but this was probably our personal favourite for 2022.

6. What is your biggest indulgence?

The best quality local seafood and lobster from around Scotland’s coastline. It can be a bit expensive these days, but worth every penny.

7 When were you most embarrassed?

Having my photo taken with a giant pantomime dame mermaid as part of a local community competition.

We recently teamed up with our local theatre in the town to launch a new festive pantomime competition for children with a nautical twist.

We encouraged children from across Edinburgh and the Lothians to make a creative splash by drawing or painting a colourful picture of their favourite deep-sea creature as part of The Brunton’s new festive show for 2022, ‘Sinbad the Pantomime’. Taking inspiration from the story of Sinbad, children created eye-catching pictures of sea creatures, including whales and dolphins, lobsters, crabs, starfish, seahorses, and even a giant octopus.

To help promote the competition in the local newspapers, I reluctantly agreed to have my photograph taken with the lead pantomime dame, a giant mermaid called ‘Betty Brunton’.