Ayrshire's high street's have been dealt a major blow with all M&Co stores set to shut.
The Renfrewshire company has announced it will be closing all its 170 stores with almost 2,000 jobs set to go across the UK.
The clothing giant has stores in Largs, Saltcoats, Irvine, Ayr and Troon - with each store to cease trading by Easter.
The chain appointed administrators in December last year for the second time after collapsing in 2020 amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week the company was bought over by AK Retail Holdings - which owns Yours Clothing and Long Tall Sally, but the deal did not include the stores and thousands of staff employed in them.
Over the weekend stores across the country began to announce the sad news that stores were closing.
A statement shared across stores Facebook pages, read: "Unfortunately we haven't received the news we would have hoped for during our administration period, and would like to share this news with you-
"As we haven't received any funded, deliverable offers that would result in the transfer of the company's stores or staff to a potential buyer, this means that all of our stores will close.
"The M&Co 'Brand' has been purchased, but unfortunately this does not include a future for our stores, website or staff. We will trade all of our stores until Easter, and then begin the close down process."
All gift cards are set to expire this Sunday (February 12) for M&Co stores.
The statement added: "We hope you will appreciate this is also a very difficult time for staff working in the stores and we ask for respect and understanding when raising an issue.
"We thank you all for your continuous support, and we hope to see you all over the next couple of months."
Meanwhile Ayr's store on Alloway Street shared that a huge closing down sale had already begun with customers getting at least 30 per cent off everything.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth says the store closures are a huge blow to communities.
The Labour politician said: “This is devastating news for staff at M&Co across the south of Scotland.
“This has been a dreadful couple of years for retail and the news will be the last thing they wanted to hear. My thoughts are very much with them and their families.
“Unfortunately, M&Co staff have been living with this uncertainty for a long time. In August 2020, M&Co entered administration for the first time and while a number of branches were closed that time, many re-opened.
“This is another blow for our High Street and further proof that it needs as much support as possible.”
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