THE FRANCHISE owner of the new McDonald's in Dunfermline has revealed when the fast food restaurant will open.

The company is now hiring for the drive-thru being built on the car park of Tesco's Duloch supermarket ahead of its opening next month with over 120 jobs created.

Construction work began in December and the burger giant hoped originally that it would be ready in December, however, workers are still on site.

McDonald's will begin interviewing next week with training following on January 24 with full-time and part-time positions available.

A date for opening is now planned for Wednesday, February 23.

Pauline Guild Pearce, the franchisee’s Group People & HR manager, told the Press that they had received more than 200 job applications in just 24 hours after the positions went live.

Adam Buchanan Smith, who owns the franchises at Fife Leisure Park drive-thru, Dunfermline Asda and South Queensferry, is opening the latest fast food restaurant on Turnstone Road.

McDonald's was given the go-ahead in September last year to build a two-storey outlet on the Tesco car park but it has proved to be controversial.

The new facility, in the northern section of the car park across the road from the Aldi store, will include a digital drive-thru, play frame, seating, CCTV cameras, landscaping and associated works.

There had been 176 objections to the plans but councillors on the central and west planning committee voted 11-3 in favour of the proposals.

Following the decision, a protest was held by parents, environmental campaigners and politicians.

Concerns were raised about the increase in traffic at an already busy retail area next to schools and potential anti-social behaviour that the outlet could attract.

Martin Willcocks, from the Save the Calais Woods Wildlife group, said at the time it had been disappointing to see planning permission being granted.

"When the application come in, the majority of people thought it was a bit of a joke and it would never be accepted. For it to go through so easily was a bit of a shock to the local community," he said.

A McDonald's spokesperson said: “We are really excited that work has started on a brand-new McDonald’s restaurant in Dunfermline, scheduled to open Wednesday 23rd February.

"The new store will create over 120 jobs in the local community and include all the latest innovations from McDonald’s, designed to create a fun and welcoming customer experience. Stop by and say hello next month!”