A MUCH-LOVED Helensburgh business has been saved from the threat of closure after its parent company fell into administration.

Wilkies in West Clyde Street has been long established in the town, and is part of a chain of 11 stores in towns across the country. 

The future of the chain has now been secured following a sale of the business out of administration. 

Administrators were appointed to Wilkies Limited, who said the firm had faced challenging trading conditions following the pandemic. 

Six of the firm's stores have now been sold to a new company, Wilkies Trading Limited. 

These are Largs, Castle Douglas, Peebles, Perth, Ballater and Helensburgh. 

The jobs of 55 employees from the shops have been saved following the sale. 

However, five stores not included in the sale - Edinburgh, North Berwick, Hamilton, Falkirk and Kirkcaldy - will close in the next few months.

Alistair McAlinden, from administrator Interpath Advisory, 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.”