A SCOTTISH town's much loved Christmas shop has revealed in a "very sad" New Year's Day announcement that it will close its doors for good.
The Olde Christmas Shoppe on Helensburgh's West Clyde Street will be closing down on Sunday, January 5 after a decade in the town.
The owners said that the tough decision was made after "battling with the cost of living crisis" for a few years, but will continue to trade online and at markets.
In a post on social media, the business said: "We come with very sad news indeed.
"We will be closing our doors on January 5 for good (well for now!).
"We will hand the keys back to the landlord and The Olde Christmas Shoppe Helensburgh will be gone from the seafront.
"We really didn't want this to be the option, but we have battled the cost of living/doing business crisis for 2.5 years and we have lost the fight for now.
"We will continue to trade online, and we will pop up in various locations, markets throughout the festive season, so you won't miss our cheery faces too much."
The post continued: "For Helensburgh and the surrounds local customers we will offer a click and drop service on scent sachets.
"We hope to come back to the high street in the future and we will continue to play an active part in our community, but for now it's a sad farewell from Claire, myself (Toni) and all the hard working elves."
Responding on Facebook, one person said they were "devasted to read this", adding: "Helensburgh wont be the same."
Another user wrote: "So sorry to hear that you are closing. Sad to be losing your shop as it’s part of what makes Helensburgh unique. Look forward to seeing you at markets and wishing the online shop much success."
