Loyal customers over the decades are now arranging a farewell party as the family-run firm closes its shutters for good next month.

Ian Morrow, 72, who took over the Barholm Square business from his father Alan, is closing as a result of a compulsory purchase order to make way for new homes.

He said: "My dad Alan opened the business in 1958. I started work there as a Saturday boy in 1958 when I was 13-years-old and started full-time in 1960. I have seen three or four generations of customers and have enjoyed it.

"The biggest change over the past 58 years has been in supermarket sales. We used to have a staff of 12 and now there are two of us. The big shops have resulted in changing times."

Ian believes his butcher shop will be remembered as a respected part of the community.

He added: “I think all the shopkeepers were part of the community. There was a greengrocer, a hardware store, a co-operative and an RS McColl with a post office. That’s the way it was. And it was all local people.”

On Saturday March 4 customers will gather at a special farewell event.

Customer Brian Birt said: "Ian has been there since the scheme was built. There have been three generations in Garthamlock who have grown up going to that butcher's shop.

"There is going to be a big farewell in the shop for Ian in the next couple of weeks. We are even sending information through Facebook to former customers in Canada and Australia.

"I served my time with Ian when I was 15 and am now 61. It is a big thing for all of us because we all love Ian immensely.”

Sheila Thompson, who is helping to organise the event, said: “Ian's been there a lifetime. He gave loads of jobs to people in the scheme, I really take my hat off to him.

“One of the other members of staff, Robert, has been there his whole work life as well, and has had to find work in a different shop.”

Local SNP Councillor Russell Robertson, who grew up in the area, will be speaking at the event.