A Scottish clothing retailer that has been operating for 125 years has shut its North Berwick shop after many decades in the town.
Wilkies, which was founded in 1898, was placed in administration last week with the loss of five stores and 40 jobs across Scotland.
The North Berwick store, located on Station Hill, closed abruptly after administrators were appointed with a sign in the window that read "closed forever".
Wilkies Limited operated 11 stores across the country and was acquired by the newly founded Wilkies Trading Limited who decided to retain only six of the existing stores.
Alongside North Berwick, the Edinburgh, Falkirk and Hamilton stores have all closed while the Kirkcaldy store is set to close at a later date.
The stores in Perth, Largs, Peebles, Castle Douglas, Ballater and Helensburgh will continue to trade.
The town's business association shared its disappointment with the closure of the store, hoping it was not a sign of things to come.
Susan Oliver, co-chair of North Berwick Business Association (NBBA), said: "NBBA is saddened and concerned to lose two established retail businesses from the town within two weeks.
"Wilkies on Station Hill, a long established clothes shop and Coastal Kids in the High Street added to the dynamic of shops the town has.
"North Berwick has one of the most vibrant high streets in Scotland.
"However, with the cost of living crisis on the back of rates, power, wages increases plus recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, the business association hopes this is not going to be a taste of things to come in the High Street.
"The introduction of parking charges will only add to the worrying future of shops in our town."
Kenny Miller, chair of North Berwick Community Council, added: "It is very sad that Wilkies will disappear from North Berwick, having previously disappeared from the High Street.
"The shop will be missed by many."
Alistair McAlinden, from administrator Interpath Advisory who facilitated the sale, said: “Wilkies is a familiar name to many, so we are pleased to have been able to conclude this deal which will see the brand continue to be a part of high streets within Scotland.
"We’re also pleased to have been able to safeguard 55 jobs as part of the transaction. We wish the new owners every success.”
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