A MAN who opened a café in memory of his mum has now been forced to close his doors.
Paul Deakin opened up Kath's Cafe inside Helensburgh Central station in memory of the woman who inspired his love of cooking - his mum.
The 54-year-old has had an incredible career that has seen him cook in Michelin starred restaurants in Canada, work with renowned Chicago chef Charlie Trotter, and even become a head chef closer to home at Knockderry House Hotel in Cove.
He decided to become a business owner in 2024 in the hopes of keeping his mum's memory alive.
Two years later, he has had to leave the shutters down for good after ongoing financial challenges have made it impossible to continue operating.
He explains that his bills have went from £500 a quarter to over £2,000, but his sales have been cut by half.
He told the Advertiser: "I didn't want to be part of the adding number of businesses that are closing in Helensburgh, but sadly I am. It would be a miracle to have an investor that could continue the business.
"My business really suffered when ScotRail temporarily put peak fares back on, and people lost faith in them. They never compensated me either when they forced a closure due to a water leak.
"I used to take up to £400 a day, but now I am lucky to even make £200. People simply don't have the disposable income anymore.
"The overheads such as my electricity and rent have doubled which has made it financially unfeasible to carry on. My bills are far too high and I am just putting myself into further into debt.
"I live in stress every day over the financials and even though I am heartbroken, I know I am making the right choice for now."
Originally from Bolton, Paul has fond memories of his mum, who used to work as a social worker before becoming a support worker for the partially sighted until she was 75.
She was later diagnosed with dementia, and sadly died two months before her 80th birthday.
Despite the many highlights he has had running the business from the town's main train station, he simply just wanted to make his late mum proud.
"Meeting actor Gregor Fisher when he filmed at the station last year was very cool.", he continued.
"He was so friendly and loved to chat. It has been fantastic getting to know my regulars and being the face that welcomes visitors to our town.
"It truly has been an incredible two years and I cannot thank everyone enough. I just wanted to provide a good service for my local community and I felt I have done that.
"Community was something that was hugely important for my mum. I am down but I am certainly not out."
Paul has made it very clear that it isn't the end of his career, and has plans that he is considering up his sleeve.
"All the opportunities are open to me and I have to keep positive in this climate", he admits.
"I would love to open a coffee van and go to the main food markets. Another option would be to start a food truck business, but my main focus is clearing this debt.
"I am really going to miss my customers the most. I have made good friends in the two years. This was more than just a café to me. It truly was a social hub and being part of the community.
"I promise to be back bigger and stronger, but in the meantime it is goodbye for now."
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