Commenting on the news that Debenhams stores are set to close after last ditch efforts to rescue the company failed, South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: “This is terrible news for staff at Debenhams Dumfries. This has been a dreadful year for retail and this will be the last thing they wanted to hear. My thoughts are very much with them and their families.

“Unfortunately, Debenhams staff have been living with this uncertainty for a long time, in April 2019 Debenhams entered administration for the first time and again in April 2020. The Dumfries store continued but this time the situation looks even worse.

“Debenhams have said that 12,000 jobs across the whole country are set to go over the coming months unless administrators do a deal for all or parts of the business as the process unfolds.

“I will do all I can to urge Debenhams bosses to stand by their Dumfries workforce and store in the same way workers have stood by the company.

“This is an important employer locally and it has become a major fixture on a High Street that will need as much support as possible in the difficult few months and years ahead.”