DOZENS of workers have lost their jobs after one of Lanarkshire's oldest department stores went bust.

Bairds of Hamilton has gone into liquidation after accumulating debts of tens of thousands of pounds. There wasn't even enough money to pay the workforce of 35, while customers with gift vouchers have also lost out.

Every staff member has been made redundant after the directors placed the stricken business into voluntary liquidation.

The department store, a landmark in the centre of Hamilton, began trading in the 1940s.

Liquidator Linda Barr, of insolvency experts French Duncan, said: "Given Bairds' status as a Hamilton retail institution, it is particularly regrettable that its liquidation has resulted in this loss of jobs.

"It seems likely that the very challenging trading conditions that many retailers have experienced over recent months, together with substantial trading overheads, have played a significant contribution in Bairds' liquidation."

Bairds sold a range of goods, from shoes to silverware, handbags to clothes and from millinery to linen. It also had a household department with a cookshop.

It's thought unlikely a buyer will take on the business, although Miss Barr told the Evening Times: "If we were approached we would certainly look at any possible deal."

Customers with gift vouchers were also warned that they "won't get their money back."

They will be treated as another creditor and could eventually be paid a cash dividend - but the dividend will be less that the value of the voucher.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk