South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said there are ‘real concerns’ about the future of our region’s high streets following the news that retailers Arcadia, whose stores include Topshop, Burton and Dorothy Perkins, looks set to file for administration.

The shops, which have branches in Dumfries, Hawick and Ayr, among others, have been a feature of our town centres for decades and if they close, there is a real fear that it could signal the further decline of our high streets.

Colin Smyth said: “This is already a deeply worrying time for everyone including staff working at these stores, so this news will be the last thing they wanted to hear and my thoughts are very much with them and their families.

“I will certainly do all I can to urge Arcadia’s bosses and any potential future owners to stand by their workforce here in the south of Scotland in the same way workers have stood by the company.

“I have real concerns that this will be another nail in the coffin for our town centres, which are so important to their communities.

“Arcadia is an important employer locally and it has become a major fixture on our High Streets, which need as much support as possible in the difficult few months and years ahead.”