A POPULAR cafe owner in Dumbarton's east has retired after 30 years - and has handed over the keys.

Owner Helen Mackenzie has decided to hang up her hospitality apron after running Scruples, on Wallace Street, for over 30 years.

She decided to start the cafe in 1992 when she couldn’t get anything to eat on her lunch breaks while she was a hairdresser.

Now she is handing the keys over to popular Dumbarton-based caterers Roos Kitchen to give it a fresh lease of life and has since thanked her loyal customers and employees for their outstanding support over the years.

Taking to social media, Helen said: "I am absolutely overwhelmed by all the best wishes, cards, flowers and gifts given to me over the past few days, and loved seeing many of them at our wee send-off. It was emotional."

"I can't thank you enough, I've had the most amazing support from you all over the years.

"I am delighted to hand over the reins to Roo and Amy of Roo's Kitchen who I have every confidence will take this wee shop on a whole new adventure whilst keeping everyone happy along the way.

"I had the most amazing staff who I definitely couldn't have done without (love them to bits)."

Last year the Reporter told how Scruples celebrated their 30th anniversary in the town.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Helen and her team at Scruples celebrated the cafe's 30th anniversary last yearHelen and her team at Scruples celebrated the cafe's 30th anniversary last year (Image: Helen Mackenzie)

However, at the time Helen explained that it hasn’t been plain sailing owning the coffee shop and they have had to overcome hurdles.

She said: "We have evolved over the years to what the shop is now, but we have been through hard times.

“I would say it is a miracle we are still here because of everything that has been thrown at not only us but any small business in the town.

“There have been roadworks on Glasgow Road, surviving the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis.”

Now long-term customers and former employees joined in on wishing Helen the best for her future.

Jenny Lucas said: "Helen gave me my first job and a wealth of valuable experience in the world of work at the age of 15. My experience in Scruples helped me go on to get other similar jobs which saw me through university.

"The fun I had working with the various members of the team back then lives long in my memory. As does square sausage rolls and chocolate fudge cake for lunch.

"I can’t believe it’s almost 23 years ago since my first shift! Enjoy your retirement and I’m delighted to see that the space is going to be put to more good use."

And Ruth Smith added: "Congratulations on your retirement, you’ll be missed but you’ve worked extremely hard over the years, time to take it easy, relax and enjoy every minute, you certainly deserve it."