Family-run Scottish business Stephens claims to have opened the UK’s first drive-through independent bakery site.

Opening yesterday (18 January) in Dunfermline, the drive-through is also believed to be the first drive-through bakery in Scotland, according to the business.

The site will operate as a walk-in shop and a drive-through, which will be open seven days a week. The bakery where the drive-through stands was purchased in 2014 and was granted planning permission last year.

Stephens managing director Andre Sarafilovic credited his wife, Rona, with the idea of a drive-through.

“Rona first had the idea of a drive-through in 2014 and, although it seemed bold at the time, we have always strived to innovate and look for new ways to do things.”

Pupils from local primary schools Milesmark and McLean were invited to the launch and drove around the site in a custom-made cardboard convertible.

A ‘subtle’ rebrand was unveiled at the opening, and will be rolled out more widely across the company. The bakery has also launched new marketing campaign ‘Stop for a Stephens’.

The business has 14 retail outlets and six vans, as well as partnerships with convenience stores, including Co-op, Scotmid and McColl’s.

Stephens’ move follows Greggs opening its first drive-through on the outskirts of Salford, Manchester, last summer. Tim Hortons also opened a drive-through in the city last year.