Independent retailers from Nisa Local Abbey View in Dunfermline have been honoured with the Bravery Award at the Pride of Scotland Awards 2025, following their courageous actions during a terrifying armed robbery attempt.
The incident took place in June 2024 when a masked man, entered the store wielding what appeared to be a real handgun and demanded money from post office worker Cheryl Gourlay. Cheryl bravely refused, prompting the gunman to leap over the counter and force her aside.
In an extraordinary act of bravery, store colleague Bob Bell immediately intervened, jumping over the counter to confront the attacker and striking him before restraining him. Store owner Aisha Javid and her son Usman Javid quickly joined the struggle, helping to disarm the man – who was also carrying a concealed knife – and holding him on the ground until police arrived.
The gun was later found to be an imitation, but its realistic appearance meant staff had no way of knowing it was not real. The attacker was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh in November 2024 to seven years in prison for attempted robbery with an imitation firearm.
Judge Lord Scott praised the store team’s bravery during sentencing, noting: “Those in the shop who faced you and stopped you from succeeding in this robbery had no way of knowing that the gun was not real. They acted despite how terrifying a situation you created.”
Their courageous actions were formally recognised at the Pride of Scotland Awards 2025, where Aisha, Bob, Cheryl and Usman were presented with the Bravery Award in front of a national audience.
Reflecting on the incident, Aisha said: “We didn’t have time to think – we just acted. It was instinct. We work hard, and we look out for each other and our customers. The support from our community since then has been overwhelming.”
Taranjit Singh Dhillon, head of retail at Co-op Wholesale, said: “What Aisha, Bob, Cheryl and Usman did was extraordinary. Their bravery, selflessness and dedication to their community embody everything we value across our retail network. We are incredibly proud to see them recognised at the Pride of Scotland Awards.”
The team continues to serve the Dunfermline community with pride, regularly supporting local causes and providing essential services through their Nisa store and post office.
