Edward De Gernier was a Belgian fryer and shoemaker, best known for introducing chips to Scotland.
Early life De Gernier was born in Brussels in 1847. In April 1869 he married Julia Stephanie Morant of Armentières, France. They moved to Scotland from Armentières eventually settling in Dundee.
Career After arriving in Dundee De Gernier noticed a gap in the market for a Belgian-style chip stall. His wifes combination of chips and peas with vinegar nicknamed the Dundee Buster was a huge success with the locals. He set up a shop in the no longer existing Grassmarket area which was famous for its street markets. De Gernier’s influence laid the foundation for Dundee’s long-standing relationship with the chippy, a meal that is still enjoyed today.
When Julia passed away in 1902 Edward retired from the chipper business and opened a shoe repair shop in Lochee which he worked at until his death in 1926 at the age of 79.
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