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Former Kirkcaldy WH Smith store up for auction after fire and £1m cannabis bust

The retail unit has been empty since February 2021. Image: Neil Henderson/DC Thomson.
The retail unit has been empty since February 2021. Image: Neil Henderson/DC Thomson.

The former WH Smith store on Kirkcaldy High Street is up for auction after a fire and cannabis raid.

Those keen to snap up the property in the Fife town will be able to submit their bids during the live auction on December 15.

The three-storey unit in the centre of the high street spans over 9,000 sq ft, with auctioneers suggesting a potential rental income of £40,000 per year for the eventual owner.

WH Smith left the site in February 2021, and the property, which is neighboured by Waterstone’s and a charity shop, has been vacant since then.

The vacant property was hit with a major fire in August. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson.

A huge blaze was reported at the building in August which saw dozens of firefighters battling for around nine hours to bring the flames under control.

Three 13-year-old boys have been charged in connection with the fire and reported to the Children’s Reporter.

Photos in the sales brochure show the unit has now been completely stripped following the fire.

The blaze came after police uncovered a £1 million cannabis farm inside the disused unit in May.

Fire crews tackle the blaze in August. Image: David Wardle/DC Thomson.

Four men were arrested after officers executed a search warrant at the disused unit on May 4 and uncovered the drugs haul.

The sales material for the unit says it represents a “prime location” with “extremely high footfall and passing trade”.

It adds that it would be the “ideal spot” for a restaurant, subject to the necessary planning permissions.

Bidding is expected to open at £209,000.

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