FAMILY-OWNED Scots bakery firm Aulds had closed a further four more stores with 23 staff made redundant as it liquidates its retail arm.

The four stores, in Princes Mall in East Kilbride, High Street in Lanark, Union Street in Larkhall and Almondvale South in Livingston all ceased trading on Wednesday as liquidators Paul Dounis and Steve Ross of RSM Restructuring Advisory look to "reduce trading losses".

It brings the number of staff who have been made redundant at the Greenock-based company to 49.

The business, which has been providing freshly baked products to Scots ever since its founder opened his first store nearly 120 years ago, has previously said competition from big supermarkets combined with increased costs of ingredients and distribution meant the business could not survive.

The Herald:

The latest closures come just two days after the Renfrew, Kilmarnock, Irvine and Ayr stores were shut down with the loss of 26 staff.

The liquidators have said the remaining 18 Thomas Auld & Sons Limited stores across Scotland "continue to trade" while the provisional liquidators seek to sell some or all of the stores to "enhance value for creditors and safeguard as many jobs as possible".

Paul Dounis, RSM restructuring advisory partner and provisional liquidator said: "Regrettably, we have had to close a further four stores to reduce losses which has resulted in a further 23 employees being made redundant. We are working with local and national organisations to support those employees to process claims as quickly as possible.

"We would ask any parties with an interest in acquiring the business to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

The liquidation does not affect Aulds' bakery products which can still be bought from branches of Scotmid and other local convenience stores.