The owners of a popular north-east bakery have announced they are closing up after nearly 40 years.
Ray Allan Baker and Confectioner have been a fixture in Peterhead for 37 years, tempting customers in with their handmade butteries, pies, cakes and strawberry tarts.
Ray and Lesley Allan own shops on Ugie Road and Broad Street, as well as a coffee shop on Clerkhill Road.
Tonight, they announced on social media that they were closing and said the last two years have taken a “huge toll” on their business and family.
They wrote they were now “mentally exhausted” and ready for a “calm, stress-free Christmas”, saying: “It is with great sadness that we are announcing the closure of Ray Allan and Confectioner. The last two years have taken a huge toll on our business and undeniably our family in turn. Despite our heavy hearts, we have thought and fought long and hard enough now.
“We wanted to do the right thing and tell you all to save you heading to what were our shops.
“We’d like to thank our customers who have showed us support over the last 37 years.”
Last month the shop on Ugie Road was put on the market and planning applications have been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council to change it into a gym.
Customers ‘gutted’ by news
Customers have expressed their sympathy on the Facebook post, with many saying the bakery will be a “huge miss” for the north-east town.
One customer commented: “Absolutely gutted to hear this as you are the best bakers in town. Can completely understand that family and mental health come first.”
Another agreed saying: “I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s a disaster. Your bakery is one of the top in Scotland.”
Someone else wrote: “Sad news but understandable given the difficulties trading in the current environment. Your shops and products will be missed.”
Meanwhile, others expressed that their first jobs as teenagers had been at one of the bakeries.
One wrote: “What a shame, my first job in Clerkhill shop when I was 12/13 for many years too.”
Another customer simply said: “Oh me that’s affa sad. Enjoy your well-deserved rest.”
