Edinburgh Woollen Mill has announced it will cease trading in the Highland town by the close of business today.
The sudden closure was announced on Facebook by Highland Councillor Graham MacKenzie with Covid-19 pressures to blame as the store struggles to find a new buyer.
Speaking to the Press and Journal, Mr MacKenzie said: “It is disappointing that Edinburgh Woollen Mill will cease trading from today and many people in the town are sad that the shop is going.
“The Dingwall high street has lost four to five businesses to the pressures of Covid-19. It is such a blow to the town and it will take some time to recover.”
However the SNP representative is hopeful the town can bounce back, he continued: “Dingwall will survive this and we hope that a new business will be able to fill the vacant premises.”
“I feel hugely for the staff who now face uncertainty but I am hopeful they will secure employment elsewhere.”
Oban’s George Street store will also shut to customers come Monday following an announcement on Facebook earlier today.
A post online said: “We are sad to say that the Edinburgh Woollen Mill store, George St. Oban, will close it’s doors to customers for the final time at 4pm on Monday 26th October.
“Thank you to all our customers who have supported and shopped with us for so many years. We wish you all the very best for the future.
“We would also like to thank all the staff who have ever worked with us over the years, and send our best wishes to you as well.”
The retailer, owned by tycoon Philip Day, was given added time to find buyers or new investors as an alternative to going into administration having already filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators, giving it protection from any legal action by its creditors.
